Marmota gears up for diamond drilling program at its Aurora Tank gold discovery

Marmota Ltd (ASX:MEU) (FERA:43M) is gearing up for an upcoming diamond drilling program at its 100%-owned Aurora Tank gold discovery in South Australia’s Gawler Craton, near the Challenger Gold Mine. Despite the unexpected recent State border closures due to COVID-19, the diamond drilling rig is expected to arrive this weekend at Aurora Tank. The ASX-listed explorer expects to kick off its production-focused diamond campaign in July after the discovery returned hits of up to 1-metre at 165 g/t gold in February.  Progress at site Marmota said its team was already on-site with its first self-bunded 10,000 litres fuel tank having arrived and installed on June 30, 2021. Sumps have already been prepared at all proposed diamond drill pads. The diamond drilling rig and crew are expected to arrive over the weekend. Logistic challenges The sudden recent closure of state borders posed some unexpected last-minute logistical challenges to the arrival of required equipment from interstate. “We are very grateful to the State Government for their assistance in this regard,” the company said.                                                Drilling program Marmota intends to drill 14 diamond holes covering 1,000 metres to determine the best way to prepare Aurora Tank for production. The upcoming diamond campaign is fully funded and will take roughly a month to complete. Marmota is also planning a separate reverse circulation (RC) program aimed at further exploration and growth, following the diamond program. The diamond program is being undertaken first, as the company’s priority is to get the necessary scoping/feasibility/final metallurgical studies completed as soon as possible.