As it advances its portfolio of gold assets in Western Australia’s prolific Pilbara gold province and New Zealand’s Otago Schist Belt, New Age Exploration presents a compelling investor value proposition, supported by a lean, discovery-driven strategy and an experienced technical team.
New Age Exploration (ASX:NAE) is building a pure-play gold exploration story centered on high-quality assets in tier-one jurisdictions in Western Australia and New Zealand. The company’s clear strategy is to operate in geological corridors already proven by major discoveries, while applying modern, cost-effective exploration techniques to define new zones of mineralization.
In Western Australia, the company’s Wagyu gold project is directly along strike from De Grey Mining’s Hemi discovery – now owned by Northern Star Resources (ASX:NST). In New Zealand, its projects - Lammerlaw and Otago Pioneer Quartz – lie within the same regional structure that hosts OceanaGold’s (TSE:OGC) 5 Moz Macraes deposit and Santana Minerals’ (ASX:SMI) rapidly growing Rise & Shine system.
With gold prices hovering at all-time highs, NAE’s approach favours technology-led targeting, rather than brute-force drilling campaigns, by using geophysics, geochemistry and passive seismic to zero in on structurally controlled gold systems with potential for scale.
All its projects are supported by local technical teams and seasoned exploration leadership, allowing concurrent progress and capital-efficient deployment. Recent programs at Wagyu and Lammerlaw have confirmed early-stage discoveries, and both assets are advancing through their next stages of drilling and target definition.
The Wagyu gold project is New Age Exploration’s flagship asset located in the highly prospective Central Pilbara region of Western Australia. The project is strategically situated between two major gold systems – Northern Star’s Hemi Gold Deposit (11.7 Moz gold resource) and the Withnell deposit – within the Mallina Basin, which hosts a similar intrusive-style orogenic gold mineralizing system. NAE holds exploration license E47/2974, which covers 136 sq km. Since acquiring the project, NAE has conducted extensive early-stage exploration, beginning with the reinterpretation of geophysical datasets, including airborne magnetics, radiometrics and satellite imagery, to delineate potential Hemi-style intrusions and structurally hosted gold targets.
Wagyu gold project location map
The company-initiated fieldwork in April 2024, completing soil sampling, gravity surveys and passive seismic geophysical surveys to refine drill targets. These efforts culminated in an extensive aircore drilling campaign (257 holes, over 7,000 m drilled), which identified a broad, crescent-shaped gold anomaly approximately 1.5 km in strike length. Notable results included intercepts such as 5.3 grams per ton (g/t) gold over 4 m (including 15.6 g/t gold over 1 m) and 2.7 g/t gold over 2 m. Encouraged by these results, the company completed its maiden RC program in March-April 2025, drilling 3,023 m across 33 holes targeting two high-priority gravity anomalies. Assays released in May 2025 confirmed a shallow oxide gold system and evidence of underlying mineralized structures, including 1.26 g/t gold over 5 m from 31 m (WRC029), 1.32 g/t gold over 3 m from 43 m (WRC031), and 1.44 g/t gold over 2 m from 83 m (WRC009). Numerous other holes returned mineralized intervals of 0.5 to 0.8 g/t over broad zones.
Importantly, geological logging and geophysical modeling support the presence of vertical feeder structures, interpreted as potential gold-bearing intrusions and fault-hosted "pipes," similar to Hemi’s discovery model. The Wagyu system remains open in all directions, with multiple untested gravity targets and deeper feeder zones yet to be explored. A follow-up RC campaign is planned for Q3/2025, focused on extending mineralization and chasing those deeper pipe-like structures beneath the supergene blanket.
Lammerlaw permit occurs in the southern limb of a regional fold feature characterised by a change in metamorphic grade from upper greenschist (purple) to lower greenschist (green).
The Lammerlaw gold and antimony project is located in the Otago Schist Belt, a prolific gold-bearing region in the South Island of New Zealand. The project spans 265 sq km and is held under Exploration Permit EP60807. The area is renowned for its historic gold production and geological similarity to OceanaGold’s Macraes Mine, New Zealand’s largest active gold mine with more than 5 Moz in resources. NAE acquired the project through a competitive acreage release and has since completed desktop studies, field mapping and geochemical sampling, which identified multiple 2 to 4 km-long gold-antimony soil anomalies aligned with historical workings.
During 2023-2024, the company identified nine high-priority drill targets based on soil geochemistry (gold, antimony, arsenic, tungsten), historic production data and structural mapping. NAE mobilized a Phase 1 RC drill program in early 2025, designed to test structurally hosted vein systems within both brittle and ductile deformation zones. This work confirmed the presence of gold and antimony mineralization in several targets, though results are still under review. Access to some targets is subject to Department of Conservation approvals, which the company is pursuing concurrently. A Phase 2 drill campaign is planned for Q1/2026, pending access approvals and final interpretation of current results.
Overview of prospects locations within the OPQ Gold Exploration Project.
The Otago Pioneer Quartz (OPQ) project is in Central Otago within the historic Gabriel’s Gully gold district, the epicenter of the 1860s Otago gold rush. The project lies within the same regional schist belt that hosts OceanaGold’s Macraes operation. NAE acquired the OPQ tenement to secure additional exposure to high-grade shear-hosted and orogenic gold systems in the Otago region. The area is characterized by low-sulphide gold quartz veins associated with greenschist facies metamorphic rocks and late-stage brittle faulting.
While still early-stage, the company has conducted preliminary soil sampling and mapping across the tenement to delineate mineralized structures. Historical records suggest significant past production from alluvial and hard-rock sources, though modern exploration has been minimal. Given its proximity to known gold-bearing shear zones and favourable host rocks, OPQ remains a high-priority, low-cost exploration asset for future campaigns.
Going forward, NAE intends to conduct detailed geochemical and structural mapping, followed by scout drilling at known historical workings. The project remains a capital-light optionality play with future drill programs dependent on results from Lammerlaw and Wagyu.
Alan Broome is a highly respected figure in the Australian mining industry with more than 40 years of experience across mining, metals and mining technology. A metallurgist by training, Broome has served as chairman and director of numerous ASX-listed and private companies, contributing to significant exploration and development successes. His leadership brings deep strategic insight and a proven track record in guiding discovery-stage companies through to project advancement.
A capital markets executive with deep ASX and venture experience, Joshua Wellisch leads strategic and operational execution for NAE’s projects. Wellisch is also currently a director of NRG Capital, specialising in capital raisings, corporate structuring and the facilitation of ASX listings and was formerly managing director of Kairos Minerals Limited.
Appointed in 2025, Peter Thompson brings 35+ years of exploration leadership including stints at Western Mining, Anaconda Nickel, and as CEO of St Barbara. He led redevelopment of Beaconsfield Gold Mine, spearheaded the acquisition, listing and development of the Karlawinda gold deposit and was instrumental in the discovery and advancement of large volcanogenic massive sulphide deposits in Mongolia.
James Pope is a highly experienced minerals sector professional with nearly 30 years in exploration, consulting and research across a broad range of commodities including gold, PGE, diamonds, base metals, coal and coal seam gas. He currently leads Strata Geoscience, a specialised geoscience consultancy based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Throughout his career, Pope has progressed from hands-on geological mapping and drill site supervision to leading multidisciplinary teams of up to 50 professionals delivering exploration, resource assessment, engineering and environmental services.
Kerry Gordon is a seasoned minerals sector professional with nearly 25 years of experience spanning exploration, resource development and operations. He is currently a principal at Strata Geoscience, and has worked across New Zealand, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam and Mongolia on projects involving gold, critical metals (antimony, tungsten), coal, coal seam gas, and conventional petroleum. Gordon is an expert at managing exploration programs in remote and technically demanding environments, with a strong focus on field-based geological techniques, complex drilling and downhole logging operations, and logistical coordination.
High potential for large-scale discovery in prolific gold regions in Western Australia and New Zealand
(TheNewswire)
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Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire - October 2, 2025 - Stellar AfricaGold Inc. (TSX-V: SPX) ("Stellar" or the "Company") is pleased to report significant assay results from its first drill hole at the Tichka Est G old P roject, part of the ongoing 1,500-meters summer diamond drill program at the Zone B gold discovery, an area of approximately one square kilometer within Stellar's 82km 2 permit area in Morocco.
Highlights
(Composite interval s include 0.1g/t Au cut-off & maximum internal dilution of 3m.)
Figure 1. High grade (22.28 g/t Au) mineralized section of Diorite sill 2
Table 1: Assay Highlights
| Hole ID | Length (m) | Azimuth (°) | Dip (°) | From (m) | To (m) | Interval Length (m) | Gold (g/t) |
| TCK-001 | 201.9 | 65 | -45 | 83 93 | 99 94 | 16 including 1 | 1.98 11.55 |
| 125 125 | 138 127 | 13 including 2 | 6.12 22.28 |
(Note : The down hole intersections are not a true thickness. The true thickness is not known.)
Click Image To View Full Size
Figure 2. A cross section of TCK-001 highlighting the two zones of gold mineralization
hosted within sub-horizontal diorite sills .
Click Image To View Full Size
Figure 3. A plan section showing location of TCK-001 drill hole (top of image) relative to the surface mechanical trenches and the previous RC drill campaign (center and lower of image).
Detail of Results
Diamond drill hole TCK-001 was designed to test the interpreted mineralized sub-horizontal diorite sills, which act as both lithological and structural controls to gold mineralization.
Two well-defined mineralized zones were intersected:
These intersections support the geological model developed for Tichka Est Zone B and provide strong encouragement for expansion of the drilling program.
Diamond d rilling has now totaled 492.8 meters across three holes , with core from holes TCK-002 and TCK-003 confirming the presence of the sulphide-bearing sub-horizontal diorite sills previously encountered in hole TCK-001.
Drilling is progressing at an average rate of approximately 10.5 meters per day. Recently progress was temporarily hampered by fractured zones down hole requiring cementing to reduce water loss, on site water supply logistics, and weather-related impacts requiring repairs to roads and drill platforms. Despite these operational challenges, drilling continues steadily, with excellent core recoveries achieved.
Next Steps
Management Commentary
"Drill hole TCK-001 at Tichka Est has confirmed the presence of a very promising gold system," said J. François Lalonde, President and CEO of Stellar AfricaGold. "With mineralization now confirmed at depth, we are becoming increasing confident in the potential of the Tichka Est Gold Project and are excited to expand both our current drilling program to test continuity of mineralization and additional new targets as we advance the Zone B gold discovery. Additionally, our surface reconnaissance exploration of the numerous other areas of interest within the 82km 2 permit area of Tichka Est will continue."
"Alongside these exciting results, Stellar wishes to announce the relaunch of our Company newsletter . The revamped newsletter aims to keep stakeholders and shareholders informed with transparent, timely updates. Subscribe here to be the first to receive corporate updates, press releases, and third-party media coverage as it breaks."
About the Tichka Est Zone B Gold Discovery
The identified Zone B structures are within an approximately 1 km2 area of the 82 km2 total area of the Tichka Est Gold Project. To date, Stellar has built an 8.5-kilometer mountain access road and conducted extensive mapping, sampling and trenching focussing on the regions in and around Zone B. Thus far three significant zones of gold mineralization have been discovered with much of the overall Tichka Est project area still unexplored or only superficially examined.
At the Zone B several programs of mechanical and hand trenches delivered a series of impressive assay results including trenches MT1 3.5 g/t gold over 155.7 meters 1 , MT2 1.52 g/t gold over 39.7 meters and 1.58 g/t Au over 8.6 meters 4 , MT3 1.27 g/t gold over 80 meters 4 , T7B 3.4 g/t gold over 20 meters 3 , T6B 3.4 g/t gold over 17 meters 3 , and T2B 4.56 g/t gold over 15 meters 2 . Zone B is the primary exploration target for 2025 although Stellar will continue reconnaissance exploration throughout the Tichka Est Gold Project permits area.
1 News Release October 4, 2022
2 News Release April 19, 2021
3 News Release October 25, 2021
4 News Release January 25, 2022
Technical Disclosure
The drilling campaign at Tichka Est is being conducted by two geologists from the African Bureau of Mining Consultants, under the supervision of Mr. Yassine Belkabir.
Diamond drilling was conducted using HQ diameter core. Core runs were retrieved every 3.0 m or less, with recovery measured and recorded for each run. Average recovery in reported intervals exceeded 99%. Core was oriented with a Reflex ACT III tool, photographed (wet and dry), and logged for lithology, alteration, mineralization, and structure.
Sampling intervals for assay were typically one metre in length, defined by geological boundaries. Core was cut with a diamond saw, half-core archived, and half-core submitted for analysis.
Sample preparation and assaying were performed by Afrilab in Marrakech , an ISO-certified laboratory independent of the Company. Samples were crushed to 70% passing 2 mm, split to 250 g, and pulverized to 85% passing 75 μm. Gold assays were performed using 50 g fire assay with an atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) finish . Over-limit assays (>5 g/t Au) were re-assayed with gravimetric finish.
QA/QC program consisted of 8 reference materials (standards) and 8 blanks inserted by geologists at regular intervals. In addition, Laboratory QA/QC protocols included internal blanks, standards, and duplicates, with performance reported to the exploration team for independent review. No material QA/QC issues were noted in the batches reported.
About Stellar AfricaGold Inc.
Stellar AfricaGold Inc. is a Canadian precious metal s exploration company focused on North and West Africa, with active programs in Morocco and Côte d'Ivoire. Stellar's principal exploration projects are its advancing gold discovery at the Tichka Est Gold Project in Morocco, and its early-stage exploration Zuénoula Gold Project in Côte d'Ivoire.
The Company is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange ( TSX.V: SPX ) , the Tradegate Exchange ( TGAT: 6YP ) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange ( FSX: 6YP ) .
The Company maintains its head office in Vancouver, BC and has a representative office in Casablanca, Morocco.
The technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by M. Yassine Belkabir, MScDIC, CEng, MIMMM, a Stellar director and a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101.
Stellar's President and CEO J. François Lalonde can be contacted at +1 514-994-0654 or by email at lalondejf@stellarafricagold.com
Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.stellarafricagold.com.
On Behalf of the Board
J. François Lalonde
J. François Lalonde
President & CEO
This news release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the Company not achieving the production milestones described herein, changes in business plans or commodity prices, failure to obtain regulatory approvals, and the risk factors described in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis and Annual Information Form, which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and should not be unduly relied upon. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
Mount Hope Mining’s strategic location in the prolific and resource-rich Cobar Basin, which has seen a surge of exploration and M&A activity in recent years, positions the company as a compelling investment proposition. With its maiden drilling program now underway, Mount Hope is transitioning from target generation to resource definition, supported by a strong pipeline of prospects and a clear development pathway.
Mount Hope Mining (ASX:MHM) is an Australian resource company specializing in copper and gold exploration. With its flagship project located in the Cobar Basin of New South Wales, Australia, the company leverages the region's rich mining history and underexplored potential.
Through the acquisition of Fisher Resources, a subsidiary of Unico Silver, Mount Hope secured full ownership of the Mount Hope project, which now extends across 422 sq km. This large-scale landholding provides exposure to two major mineralised fault corridors — the Sugar Loaf Fault and the Scotts Craig Fault — both controlling structures for significant copper and gold mineralisation.
The Cobar Basin has seen a flurry of significant mining activities in recent years, underscoring the region's robust potential for polymetallic resource development. One of the most recent examples of increasing M&A activity in this region is Harmony Gold’s US$1.03 billion acquisition of MAC Copper and the producing CSA copper mine in May 2025. In August 2024, Polymetals Resources (ASX:POL) finalized the acquisition of the Endeavor Mine, located 40 kilometers north of Cobar, which boasts JORC-compliant resources of 16.3 million tonnes grading 8 percent zinc, 4.5 percent lead, and 84 grams per ton (g/t) silver. In 2023, Metals Acquisition (NYSE:MTAL) successfully acquired the CSA copper mine from Glencore, further signalling the growing investment attractiveness of the Cobar Basin as a major hub for copper production.
These activities highlight a dynamic and competitive landscape that Mount Hope Mining can leverage for its own exploration strategy.
In 2025, Mount Hope launched its inaugural drilling campaign, targeting Mt Solitary for resource definition, and testing new greenfield prospect, including Blue Heeler and Black Hill. This marks a significant milestone as the company works toward defining its maiden JORC mineral resource estimate.The Mount Hope project is the company’s flagship exploration asset, strategically located in the southern Cobar Basin. It comprises five granted exploration tenements (EL6837, EL8058, EL8290, EL8654, EL6902) spanning 422 sq km.
The project area is historically significant, hosting copper and gold mining since the 1870s. Historical production at the Mount Hope mine includes ~7,891 tonnes of copper metal at 10.5 percent copper between 1878 and 1919, with a further 4,000 tonnes mined in 1942. Despite this long history, the region remains underexplored with significant potential for “Cobar-style” polymetallic discoveries.
In addition to these advanced targets, Mount Hope has identified more than 40 early-stage prospects, consolidating a district-scale exploration pipeline across two major fault systems..
The Mount Hope project benefits from its strategic location within the Cobar Basin, an established mining district with access to infrastructure and services. The recent resurgence of mining activity in and around the Cobar Basin, as demonstrated by Polymetals Resources’ acquisition of the Endeavor mine, and Metals Acquisition’s purchase of the CSA copper mine, underscores the region’s significance as a hub for resource development.
Mount Hope Mining aims to build on this momentum, leveraging both historical data and cutting-edge exploration methodologies to maximize the project’s potential. With its focus on copper and gold, commodities essential to green technologies and global markets, the Mount Hope project is well-positioned to contribute to the growth of Mount Hope Mining and the broader Australian resource sector.
Fergus Kiley plays a pivotal role in driving Mount Hope Mining’s exploration and growth strategies. He previously served as Senior Geologist and Technical Business Development Lead at Wyloo, one of Australia’s largest private natural resources investment groups. This role honed his expertise in exploration, geological modeling and project evaluation. Kiley also serves on the board of Grand Gulf Energy (ASX:GGE) and has over a decade of experience managing exploration programs for various ASX-listed companies. His leadership at Mount Hope focuses on leveraging modern exploration techniques and building partnerships to unlock the potential of the Mount Hope project.
Ben Phillips provides strategic oversight and governance to Mount Hope Mining. Appointed on July 5, 2024, he plays a vital role in ensuring the board operates effectively and aligns with the company’s objectives. Phillips’ leadership in other ventures and his focus on strong corporate governance bring additional credibility to Mount Hope’s public presence. His insights into the mining sector and his strategic vision position the company for sustainable growth.
Todd Williams brings significant expertise in mining exploration and operations, particularly within the Cobar Basin. He is currently the managing director of Unico Silver (ASX:USL) and a Non-executive director of Orpheus Uranium (ASX:ORP). As the former owner of the Mount Hope project through Unico, William's historical knowledge of the tenements is an invaluable asset. His extensive work in the region strengthens Mount Hope’s technical and operational strategies.
