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Barton Gold announced on 28 October revised mineral resource estimates for Challenger and Tarcoola in South Australia. Detailed remodelling more than doubled Challenger’s underground resource to approximately 230,000 ounces at 3.65 grams of gold per tonne. The combined Challenger resource, including other components, is approximately 370,000 ounces in 11.2 million tonnes at 1.03 g/t.
The disclosed underground components include 206,800 ounces above the 215-metre reduced level and 23,000 ounces in Challenger Deeps below the 90-metre reduced level. These elevation references are not depths below the ground surface and should not be converted without the relevant datum and site information.
The company also upgraded the existing Tarcoola stockpile resource of 220,000 tonnes at 1.23 g/t to the indicated category. Total Challenger and Tarcoola resources, grouped as Hub 1, are approximately 400,000 ounces. Barton said much of the modelled mineralisation lies in or near existing open-pit and underground development, potentially providing infrastructure advantages.
A definitive feasibility study is under way to evaluate capital and operating costs for a possible Challenger restart using the permitted Central Gawler Mill. The company also identified the Challenger 3 deposit along strike from the existing pits. Existing infrastructure and a larger resource improve the basis for evaluation, but the update is not a final investment decision or confirmation that operations have restarted.