OceanaGold Reports Significant High-Grade Gold Intercepts at Wharekirauponga and Updates on Waihi North Project
OceanaGold Corporation has shared promising developments regarding its exploration projects in New Zealand, particularly at Wharekirauponga and the Waihi North Project. The company released results from 16 new drill holes in its ongoing exploration program, indicating substantial potential for resource conversion and expansion in the region.
Key Highlights of Drilling at Wharekirauponga
Located approximately 10 kilometers north of its operational site in Waihi, the exploration at Wharekirauponga has revealed remarkable drill results. Among the highlights was a significant hit of 6.3 meters at 97.2 g/t gold from the East Graben Vein, demonstrating the high-grade potential of this area. Other notable results included various intercepts from the same zone, showcasing high-grade intervals of gold that boost confidence in the continuity and quality of the mineralization.
Gerard Bond, President and CEO, remarked on the exceptional quality of the drill results, emphasizing their potential to enhance conversion rates and expand the known resource base. The findings corroborate the theory that the southern high-grade zone is extending further, opening avenues for increased production output.
With five drilling rigs actively engaged, the rush to explore this promising site will continue through 2026, targeting both resource conversion and further step-out drilling. The drill results paint a promising picture for the potential development of mineral resources in this region. The ongoing exploration is expected to yield further insights into the expansive opportunities that lie within the Wharekirauponga underground mine.
Updates on Waihi North Project
In addition to the drilling success at Wharekirauponga, updates regarding the Waihi North Project's development are also encouraging. The construction and tunneling activities continue to progress according to plan, with a significant decline development completed since May 2026. Notably, construction of the first ventilation shaft is underway, and preparations for a second jumbo drill to facilitate the development of the twin tunnel towards the Wharekirauponga ore body are expected to begin in early 2027. This project is anticipated to commence mining operations in 2032, presenting an opportunity for parallel mining of both the Martha Underground and Wharekirauponga resources.
Additional technical studies are underway to evaluate the feasibility of expanding processing plant capacity to 1.2 million tonnes per annum, an increase from the previously planned capacity of 0.8 million tonnes. This expansion would optimize operations between the Martha and Wharekirauponga underground mines, enhancing efficiency and output.
As part of the upcoming technical report set to be released in January 2027, updates will include revised mineral reserve estimates, which will incorporate the recent drilling outcomes and the predicted mining extensions. These insights aim to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the viability and future profitability of the high-grade zones discovered.
The drill results can be further reviewed in a 3D format using VRIFY, which allows stakeholders to visualize the promising potential that has emerged from this region.
Looking Ahead
OceanaGold remains committed to advancing its exploration and mining efforts in New Zealand, focusing on responsible and efficient resource extraction. As the organization continues to unlock the potential of its high-grade gold deposits, it aims to maximize shareholder value and ensure operational success in the forthcoming years. The confidence instilled by the recent drilling successes at Wharekirauponga serves as a solid foundation as OceanaGold charts its path towards increased resource development and project expansion.
Key Highlights of Drilling at Wharekirauponga
Located approximately 10 kilometers north of its operational site in Waihi, the exploration at Wharekirauponga has revealed remarkable drill results. Among the highlights was a significant hit of 6.3 meters at 97.2 g/t gold from the East Graben Vein, demonstrating the high-grade potential of this area. Other notable results included various intercepts from the same zone, showcasing high-grade intervals of gold that boost confidence in the continuity and quality of the mineralization.
Gerard Bond, President and CEO, remarked on the exceptional quality of the drill results, emphasizing their potential to enhance conversion rates and expand the known resource base. The findings corroborate the theory that the southern high-grade zone is extending further, opening avenues for increased production output.
With five drilling rigs actively engaged, the rush to explore this promising site will continue through 2026, targeting both resource conversion and further step-out drilling. The drill results paint a promising picture for the potential development of mineral resources in this region. The ongoing exploration is expected to yield further insights into the expansive opportunities that lie within the Wharekirauponga underground mine.
Updates on Waihi North Project
In addition to the drilling success at Wharekirauponga, updates regarding the Waihi North Project's development are also encouraging. The construction and tunneling activities continue to progress according to plan, with a significant decline development completed since May 2026. Notably, construction of the first ventilation shaft is underway, and preparations for a second jumbo drill to facilitate the development of the twin tunnel towards the Wharekirauponga ore body are expected to begin in early 2027. This project is anticipated to commence mining operations in 2032, presenting an opportunity for parallel mining of both the Martha Underground and Wharekirauponga resources.
Additional technical studies are underway to evaluate the feasibility of expanding processing plant capacity to 1.2 million tonnes per annum, an increase from the previously planned capacity of 0.8 million tonnes. This expansion would optimize operations between the Martha and Wharekirauponga underground mines, enhancing efficiency and output.
As part of the upcoming technical report set to be released in January 2027, updates will include revised mineral reserve estimates, which will incorporate the recent drilling outcomes and the predicted mining extensions. These insights aim to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive overview of the viability and future profitability of the high-grade zones discovered.
The drill results can be further reviewed in a 3D format using VRIFY, which allows stakeholders to visualize the promising potential that has emerged from this region.
Looking Ahead
OceanaGold remains committed to advancing its exploration and mining efforts in New Zealand, focusing on responsible and efficient resource extraction. As the organization continues to unlock the potential of its high-grade gold deposits, it aims to maximize shareholder value and ensure operational success in the forthcoming years. The confidence instilled by the recent drilling successes at Wharekirauponga serves as a solid foundation as OceanaGold charts its path towards increased resource development and project expansion.
Topics Energy）
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