Great Western Mining (GWMO ) is expected to commence drilling at its Defender-Pine Crow tungsten project within the next two weeks.
All preparatory fieldwork is now complete and drill pads have been constructed.
In addition, Addison Mining Services has been engaged as the independent competent person for the development of a maiden JORC resource estimate at Defender. Lewis Harvey, Director Exploration Services & Principal Geologist of Addison, will be on site throughout the entire drilling programme to oversee data capture and quality control, streamlining the resource evaluation process and ensuring an efficient path to resource definition in the fourth quarter of this year.
Assay results from the drilling programme are expected through September and October 2026, in addition to results from the bulk sample metallurgical work conducted in the second quarter.
“I am delighted to confirm that drilling at Defender is about to get under way,” said Great Western chief executive Ed Loye.
“The preparatory work completed over recent months, including geophysics, geological mapping, trenching and drill pad construction, has given us invaluable information and the team is eager to build on this through drilling. The appointment of Addison as competent person is a significant step for the programme. I will be arriving on site this week to oversee the start of drilling and will be joined by Lewis Harvey of Addison, who will remain on site throughout the entire programme to ensure that data capture and quality control are embedded in the process from day one, rather than applied retrospectively. This is a more rigorous approach that we expect will result in a smoother, faster path to resource definition.”
View from Vox
Good to see that the schedule for delivering a maiden resource in the fourth quarter of 2026 remains on track. Looking ahead, investors can expect a steady flow of news over the coming months, with drilling assay results due through September and October alongside results from the bulk sample metallurgical programme. This should be a high-impact period for the company.