Platina Resources Limited (ASX: PGM) has taken a significant step forward in its exploration campaign at the Mt McKenna Gold Project in Western Australia, identifying five key target zones following extensive field studies and analysis of historical data. The Company plans to commence drilling at one of these prospects upon finalisation of the cultural heritage survey over Target 2.
The Mt McKenna Project, located near Laverton in the prolific Yilgarn Craton, has been a focal point of Platina’s exploration strategy. The recent geological mapping and ground gravity survey covering almost one-third of the tenement’s northern area have provided valuable insights into the region’s subsurface architecture and mineralisation controls.
Figure 1: Gravity data collection procedure across the Mt McKenna Project site near Laverton.
High-Resolution Gravity Surveys Refine Structural Targets
Platina completed a comprehensive ground gravity survey across more than 2,000 data points within the Mt McKenna licence. The program successfully delineated key geological structures and differentiated rock types, proving to be an essential tool for target generation and enhancing geological understanding of the project area.
Platina’s Managing Director, Mr Corey Nolan, said: “The successful completion of these surveys marks another important milestone in our exploration campaign. The gravity data provides an excellent foundation for advancing our understanding of the mineral potential across the project area and preparing for our upcoming aircore drilling program.”
Figure 2: Mt McKenna Project location showing the regional Granite Well fault and delineated target zones.
Cultural Heritage Engagement and Drilling Approval
As part of its ongoing community and stakeholder engagement, the Company completed a cultural heritage survey over Target 2. Platina has now received the Program of Works (PoW) approval from the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE), allowing it to proceed with aircore drilling once the final cultural heritage report is reviewed.
This marks a significant milestone, reinforcing Platina’s commitment to responsible exploration and strong relationships with Traditional Owners under the Nyalpa Pirniku native title area.
Figure 3: Recently acquired gravity imagery with historical sampling and interpreted mineralised faults.
Technical Overview of the Survey
Atlas Geophysics Pty Ltd conducted the ground gravity survey, covering approximately 25 per cent of the 174 sq km tenement. Data were collected on a 200 m × 100 m grid of 2,725 gravity station points. The gravity meter, a CG-5 Autograv and GNSS base-and-rover systems were used to ensure high precision, with calibration completed at the Guildford Cemetery – Helena Valley Primary School range in Western Australia.
Post-processing and interpretation were undertaken by Core Geophysics, producing Bouguer Gravity Anomaly outputs. The final dataset exceeded project specifications, demonstrating excellent repeatability and accuracy, with gravity repeat standard deviation recorded at only 0.008 mGal.
Mt McKenna’s Geological Potential
Mt McKenna is highly prospective for orogenic lode-style gold mineralisation, typical of the Laverton region. Gold occurrences are expected to be structurally controlled within shear zones and quartz-vein systems. The newly identified target zones align with mapped faults and lithological contacts that could act as conduits for mineralising fluids.
The tenement (E 38/3795) is owned by Jasper Exploration Pty Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Platina Resources. Under existing agreements, the vendors retain a 1.5 per cent Net Smelter Royalty, with Platina holding the option to buy back 50 per cent of this royalty at market value.
The Company has secured a Native Title Agreement with the Nyalpa Pirniku group, ensuring that exploration progresses with respect for cultural heritage and Traditional Owner interests.
Positioning Within a Booming Gold Market
Platina’s progress at Mt McKenna coincides with one of the strongest periods ever for Australia’s gold industry. According to the Minerals Council of Australia, gold is expected to become Australia’s second-largest export earner, providing a significant economic boost that will support essential public services and strengthen the national economy.
The surge in gold’s economic importance is being driven by record global prices and expanding mine output, signalling a renewed phase of prosperity for Australia’s gold sector.
- Australia’s gold export earnings rose 42 per cent to $47 billion in 2024-25.
- Earnings are forecast to increase by a further 28 per cent to $60 billion in 2025-26.
- Gold is expected to surpass all exports except iron ore by 2026-27.
- Global prices climbed above US$3,700 per ounce in mid-September 2025 and are forecast to remain above US$3,200 per ounce.
The ongoing strength of the gold industry highlights the crucial role mining plays in supporting Australia’s prosperity. The rise in export earnings is expected to benefit governments through higher royalty and tax revenues, which will, in turn, help fund essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Australia remains the world’s third-largest gold producer, with output projected to grow from 293 tonnes in 2024-25 to 369 tonnes in 2026-27. New and expanded projects such as Platina’s Mt McKenna and Sunrise Bore ventures are expected to contribute materially to this growth trajectory.
Figure 5: Infographic showing statistics about the gold industry in Australia.
Exploration and Investment Revival
High gold prices are reinvigorating exploration spending, which reached $1.24 billion in 2023-24, and driving new capital into Western Australia’s mineral provinces. The Mt McKenna project sits within one of the country’s most active exploration corridors, alongside world-class deposits such as Keringal, Golden Delicious, and Jubilee Mines.
These conditions present Platina with an ideal environment to advance its early-stage portfolio. The Company’s exploration-first model aims to monetise assets through development, joint venture, or strategic sale, maximising shareholder value while maintaining strong operational discipline.
Outlook and Next Steps
With data interpretation completed and approvals in place, Platina is preparing for the aircore drilling program across Target 2 later this year. The drilling will test structural trends identified in the gravity survey and refine targets for potential follow-up reverse-circulation (RC) or diamond drilling.
The upcoming program will also contribute to refining geological models, guiding the next stage of resource evaluation. Platina continues to prioritise safe, responsible, and data-driven exploration practices to unlock the full potential of Mt McKenna.
About Platina Resources
Platina Resources Limited is an Australian-based exploration company focused on advancing early-stage metals projects toward development. The Company controls a 100 per cent interest in a portfolio of gold assets across the Yilgarn Craton, one of the world’s most mineral-endowed provinces.
Platina creates shareholder value by progressing exploration projects through feasibility and permitting before monetisation via sale, joint venture, or in-house development.
Investor’s Outlook
Platina Resources Limited (ASX: PGM) continues to attract market interest amid favourable commodity trends and a strong exploration pipeline.
- Last Price (as of 1:41 pm 03 Nov 2025 AEDT): $0.029 (+7.41 %)
- Market Capitalisation: $17.41 million
- 52-Week Range: $0.017 – $0.045
- 2025 YTD Gain: +70.59 %
- 1-Year Return: +31.82 %
- Outperformance: +20.20 % vs sector and +22.39 % vs ASX 200
Figure 6: Investor summary chart showing PGM share performance in 2025. [ASX]
The Company’s consistent operational delivery and strategic focus on the Laverton district position it favourably to benefit from record-high gold prices and rising national output. Investors are closely watching Platina’s upcoming aircore drilling results, which could provide fresh catalysts for value growth in the months ahead.
