Geopacific Resources has completed a desktop study assessing the potential for porphyry copper-gold mineralisation at its 100 per cent-owned Woodlark gold project in Papua New Guinea.
Conducted by porphyry expert Bruce Rohrlach, the study aims to identify deeper porphyry-style deposits to complement ongoing exploration for epithermal gold. Located in a geologically rich region, the area has similarities to major deposits like Wafi-Golpu.
The findings support a broader exploration strategy, which includes a 30,000m drilling campaign starting in the second quarter of 2025 to target both near-mine and regional prospects and better understand the district’s mineral systems.
“The positive review of deeper copper-gold porphyry potential near our core epithermal gold deposits is a major development for the Woodlark gold project,” Geopacific chief executive officer James Fox said.
“Our understanding of the mineralising system on Woodlark Island has been enhanced, hence significantly broadening our exploration horizon. The identification of multiple porphyry targets provides additional upside for copper-gold discoveries while supporting the continued expansion of our epithermal gold resources.”
Fox said most historic exploration has focused on near-surface epithermal systems, which continue to provide “exciting growth opportunities”.
“Historic drilling at Woodlark is considered shallow with a mean depth of 125m, with little exploration drilling at depth, or outside of the key epithermal gold deposits,” he said.
“This new work highlights the significant porphyry potential on our Woodlark tenement package and delivers a clear framework to pursue it systematically.”