Tardarinna Gold Project: Unveiling Pilbara's Next Gold Phenomenon
High-Grade Gold at Surface. Untapped Potential Below.
Newly Identified Gossan Zone at Structural Fold Hinge
Recent geological mapping and structural interpretation conducted between 30 November and 1 December 2025 within the previously mined area at Tardarinna Hill have led to the identification of a ~30 × 30 m outcropping zone of strong carbonate alteration. This gossanous zone, characterised by iron staining and boxwork textures indicative of oxidised sulphide mineralisation, is interpreted to represent weathered mineralised veins positioned at the apex of a fold hinge. This feature has not been previously documented in earlier exploration reports and highlights an overlooked mineralised zone within a structurally significant setting.
Selected Field Photographs from Geological Mapping
A representative selection of rock specimens and outcrops documented during structural mapping and field observations at Tardarinna Hill. These images highlight key alteration textures, vein structures, and weathering profiles relevant to the interpreted mineralised system.
Outcropping Gossan Zone With Metagabbro Xenoliths and Hydrothermal Alteration Textures
This outcrop displays classic features of a weathered carbonate-rich gossan, with strong iron oxidation staining evident across the surface. Dark, angular xenoliths are clearly visible, likely representing fragments of metagabbro within the altered host. The brecciated and porous texture suggests intense weathering, possibly above a sulphide-rich zone. Overall, the exposure reflects a potentially mineralised system consistent with hydrothermal alteration and structural fluid flow.
Brecciated Gossan Outcrop with Metagabbro Xenoliths
This exposure presents a well-developed gossan profile with classic boxwork textures resulting from the oxidation and leaching of sulphide minerals. The pervasive rusty-red hue is due to high concentrations of iron oxides, suggestive of prolonged chemical weathering. Scattered angular fragments of altered metagabbro within the gossan are likely remnants of the original host lithology. These characteristics—particularly the open framework textures—point to an extensive supergene enrichment process and sustained oxidation at or near the surface.
Boulder with Quartz Vein in Altered Metagabbro
This small boulder, likely sourced from a historically mined area, is interpreted to represent part of a gold-bearing quartz vein system at Tardarinna Hill. The specimen shows a coarse-grained metagabbroic texture with clear hydrothermal alteration and a sharply defined quartz vein cutting through the mafic host. Rust-hued oxidation along the vein margins may reflect weathered sulphide phases, indicative of near-surface gossan development. The distinct vein geometry supports structural control on mineralisation, suggesting a focused fluid conduit within the altered metagabbro.
Siliceous Gossan Fragment with Botryoidal Texture
This specimen displays well-developed botryoidal textures and colloform banding, characteristic of siliceous gossan formation. The reddish-brown to tan coloration reflects iron oxide enrichment, likely hematite or goethite, while the lighter zones indicate intense silicification. The concentric layering and vuggy cavities suggest supergene weathering of sulphide-bearing mineralisation, consistent with the uppermost oxidised portion of a hydrothermal system. These features support interpretation as a remnant of a weathered, potentially gold- or base metal-bearing vein structure.
Gold Recovered from Historic Ore Stockpiles – Photomicrographs
This gallery presents microscope images of coarse gold particles recovered from quartz-rich ore stockpiles at Tardarinna Hill. The images, captured using a USB digital microscope, offer a closer look at the morphology, surface textures, and host-rock associations of visible gold grains. These samples were recovered during fieldwork and highlight the nuggety character of mineralisation present in the weathered stockpile material.
Selected rock specimens from the presumed ore stockpile area displaying visible gold mineralisation. A total of 2.90 kg of quartz-dominant, visibly mineralised samples were collected, each showing strong hydrothermal alteration and localised zones of coarse gold (circled). An additional 4.65 kg of quartz samples lacking visible gold were also recovered from the same area. These specimens show pervasive alteration but no detectable gold under 10-100× magnification. A 30 cm scale is included for reference.
Visible Gold in Hydrothermally Altered Quartz–Carbonate Vein
Quartz–carbonate vein displaying visible native gold within a bleached and altered matrix, accompanied by iron oxide boxworks and manganese oxide dendrites along microfractures. The sample shows sericite–chlorite alteration consistent with hydrothermal fluid overprint, likely associated with a structurally controlled gold system emplaced at the hinge of a southeast-dipping fold.
Photomicrograph captured at 100× magnification. Visible mineral features range between ~50–200 microns (µm) in size.
Coarse Visible Gold in Primary Quartz Vein
Sample exhibits coarse visible gold hosted in white quartz, with gold flakes nestled along microfractures and adjacent to dark inclusions likely composed of iron and manganese oxides. The angular, crystalline habit of the gold suggests minimal remobilisation, pointing to primary hydrothermal deposition. The association with quartz veining and oxide presence supports a structurally controlled, multi-phase fluid pathway consistent with the orogenic gold model identified at Tardarinna.
Crystalline Gold Along Fracture in Milky Quartz Vein
Coarse crystalline gold is hosted in a milky quartz vein, displaying strong visual continuity along a fracture surface. The quartz appears to exhibit partial carbonate alteration, with minor chloritic patches nearby. This gold-bearing texture is consistent with structurally controlled orogenic gold systems described at Tardarinna Hill, hosted in sheared quartz–carbonate–chlorite–sericite assemblages.
Visible Gold in Quartz with Iron Oxide Staining
This sample shows visible gold hosted in milky white quartz, set against a matrix stained with iron oxides, likely limonite, suggesting near-surface weathering. Minor sulphide inclusions may be present, indicating a hydrothermal origin typical of orogenic gold systems.
Boxwork Textures Indicative of Sulphide Leaching and Advanced Oxidation
This sample shows intense yellow-brown surface staining characteristic of advanced oxidation, likely associated with iron oxides such as goethite or limonite. The porous, granular texture and scattered cubic voids are strongly suggestive of former sulphide minerals—most plausibly pyrite—that have been completely leached, forming classic boxwork textures. These cavities retain the original cubic crystal habit of pyrite, now weathered away through supergene processes. The surrounding quartz matrix appears fractured and infiltrated by iron oxides, further indicating the passage of oxidising fluids along micro-fractures, consistent with near-surface gossan development.
Advanced Oxidation in Quartz Vein with Boxwork Cavities from Pyrite Replacement
This close-up image reveals an intensely weathered zone within a quartz matrix, characterised by yellow-brown iron oxide staining, likely goethite or limonite. Notably, several cavities with cubic morphology are visible, strongly suggesting the former presence of euhedral pyrite crystals that have since been oxidised. These boxwork structures, combined with the friable and granular texture, are characteristic of advanced supergene alteration overprinting a hydrothermal sulphide-bearing system. The spatial association with quartz supports a vein-hosted setting, where sulphide-rich mineralisation has been subjected to deep oxidative weathering.
Progress Update: 29/05/2025
DEMIRS Pow APPROVED for RC Drill Program and Bulk Sample
Positioned for Success in a Proven Gold Belt
Location: 125 km southwest of Port Hedland, ensuring excellent road access and proximity to established infrastructure.
Geological Setting: Situated within the Mallina Basin, a region that hosts De Grey Mining's Hemi discovery, which boasts a resource exceeding 13 million ounces of gold.
Structural Advantage: The tenement lies over the nose of a southeast-plunging syncline, a structural configuration known to trap significant gold deposits
Image 1. The Tardarinna Gold Project boasts trench samples and eluvial workings located near a prominent anticline and shear zone, extending over 1 kilometre within Tenement E47/4836 — a structural setting highly favourable for gold mineralisation.
Surface Mineralisation Signals Deeper Gold Targets
Large, high-grade identified gold target:
Fieldwork is focused on high-grade, shear-hosted gold mineralization within a known 10 to 50 m wide shear zone extending for over one km.
Untested Depths:
Despite the high-grade surface samples, the area remains undrilled, presenting a rare opportunity to pioneer discoveries in a geologically rich setting.
Comparative Success:
De Grey Mining's Hemi project transformed from discovery to a $5 billion acquisition by Northern Star Resources within five years.
Historical surface sampling results:
328.0 g/t*
70.7 g/t*
270.0 g/t*
134.0 g/t*
85.0 g/t*
36.5 g/t*
57.52 g/t*
*Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
A File 31454 1990 Report on M47/215, Tardarinna MR NORMAN G
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A31454
Historical bulk sample results:
Bulk A
Quartz Reef A
100 g/t**
Quartz Reef A
103.5 g/t**
Bulk C
Quartz Reef A
24.25 g/t**
**Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety
A File 64670 E47/938 Annual Geological Report (Mineral-Exploration Report)
for the period 09/02/2001 to 08/02/2002 Tardarinna Hill Project AURICH PTY LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A64670
Image 2. A 20kg quartz float sample, grading approximately 40 g/t gold, was recovered during the 2022 exploration program. Collected by experienced geologist Jeremy Aldworth and expertly processed by renowned prospector Jake Larson, the sample revealed visible gold and confirmed the project's outstanding near-surface mineralisation potential.
Image 3. Historic excavation site at the Tardarinna Gold Project, where previous exploration activities first uncovered significant gold mineralisation. This proven area within the tenement forms a key focus for ongoing exploration and future discovery potential.
Image 4. Visible gold observed in quartz float sample — supporting evidence of high-grade mineralisation potential and validating historical mining results.
Image 5. Existing disturbed ground at the Tardarinna Gold Project, located in close proximity to the interpreted position of Reef A.
Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) Success – Round 28
Image 6. Location of successful exploration incentive scheme applications, co-funded goverment-industry drilling round 28, 2024
The Tardarinna Gold Project was successfully awarded funding under Round 28 of the Western Australian Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS), administered by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). The EIS is a highly competitive program that provides co-funding for exploration activities deemed innovative, technically robust, and capable of significantly contributing to the geological knowledge of Western Australia.
Applications are independently assessed by a technical panel comprising senior geologists and exploration specialists from DMIRS and industry. Projects are ranked based on criteria including geological merit, exploration innovation, quality of targeting, and the project's potential to open new search spaces or advance under-explored regions. Tardarinna’s successful application reflects the strength of its structural geological model, the proven high-grade sampling results, and its potential to significantly enhance the understanding of gold mineralisation within the Pilbara Craton.
Achieving EIS funding is an important endorsement of the project's discovery potential by leading government and industry experts.
Team Tardarinna
Jeremy Aldworth is a highly experienced geologist with a strong background working across Australia and Africa in a range of commodities. Known for his hands-on approach, he is a dedicated boots-on-the-ground field specialist who recently held the position of Exploration Manager for an ASX-listed company.
During the 2022 field program, Jeremy recovered a 20kg quartz float sample grading an impressive ~40 g/t gold — a standout result by any exploration standard. Visible fine gold remains unaccounted for in the sample, further highlighting the project's exceptional near-surface potential.
While in the field, Jeremy identified strong potential for a high-grade eluvial gold patch downslope from the surface reef at Tardarinna — believed to result from the erosion and shedding of gold directly from the reef itself. This discovery highlights the project's promising near-surface mineralisation potential.
Image 7. Jeremy Aldworth leading on-the-ground engagement with project stakeholders and community officers during international fieldwork in Tanzania — demonstrating his hands-on approach and commitment to responsible exploration.
Jake Larsen is an Australian gold prospector featured on the Discovery Channel series Aussie Gold Hunters, where he is part of the "Dirt Dogs" team operating in Western Australia's goldfields. Notably, Larsen designed and built a custom gold processing mill, dubbed "Millzilla," which significantly contributed to the team's mining operations.
Jake oversaw the processing of field samples that yielded an exceptional 40 g/t gold from a single 20kg quartz float — a standout result in early exploration. With extensive experience in both hardrock and eluvial gold processing, Jake brings valuable technical expertise to the project.
Image 8. Jake Larsen proudly showcasing gold produced through Millzilla's processing — a testament to his expertise in gold recovery and small-scale production.
Tardarinna
Surrounded by Opportunity
Map 1. Located amidst a cluster of significant gold deposits, the Tardarinna Gold Project sits in a geological hotspot. This prime setting offers outstanding potential for new discoveries and future development. Zoom in to explore the strategic advantages surrounding the Tardarinna Gold Project.
Poised for Rapid Advancement
Upcoming Drilling Program: Initial field mapping is complete, with drilling planned and bulk sample for late 2025.
Resource Definition Potential: Early data suggests the possibility of defining a maiden JORC-compliant resource swiftly.
Favorable Market Conditions: Rising gold prices and increased investor appetite for safe-haven assets enhance the project's attractiveness.
The Gold Brief
Project Name: Tardarinna Gold Project
Location: Pilbara, Western Australia (125 km southwest of Port Hedland).
Tenement: E47/4836, hosted in the prolific Mallina Basin.
Stage: Early-stage exploration with high-grade historical results and untested drill targets.
Vision: To define a maiden JORC-compliant resource and establish a low-cost, high-grade gold operation.
1. The Opportunity
-
Bonanza Gold Grades: Historical surface samples include 328 g/t, 270 g/t, and 134 g/t Au
-
Bulk Sample Success: 400 tonnes graded at 66.8 g/t Au (equivalent to ~857 oz)
-
2022 Sample Assay: 20kg quartz float yielding ~40 g/t gold with visible fine gold still unaccounted
-
Zero Drilling to Date: Untapped drill-ready targets in a highly prospective structural setting
-
Comparable Success Stories: De Grey Mining (Hemi), Greatland Gold (Havieron), and Riversgold (Tambourah)
2. Strategic Location
-
Pilbara Region: One of Australia's most prospective gold belts
-
Infrastructure Ready: Accessible via highway, with proximity to Whim Creek and Port Hedland
-
Geological Sweet Spot: Lies within a folded nose of a syncline—a common structural trap for gold
3. Exploration Highlights
-
Visible Gold: Quartz veins with visible gold and multiple shear-hosted zones
-
High-Grade Veins: Stockwork quartz veins up to 100mm-200mm wide
-
Gold Mineralisation: Both coarse and fine-grained, with strong mineralogical indicators (Fe, Cu, Pb, Ni)
4. Market Catalysts
-
Drilling Program Planned: Initial field mapping complete, drilling planned for late 2025
-
Early JORC Resource Potential: Based on trenching and sampling data
-
Rising Gold Prices: Aligns with macroeconomic trends and investor appetite for safe-haven assets
5. Comparable Companies
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De Grey Mining: Grew from <$0.05 to over $2.50 on the back of high-grade Pilbara discoveries
-
Greatland Gold: Strategic asset acquisitions led to $475M project valuation
-
Riversgold: Early-stage sampling turned into a 12 km gold corridor story
6. The Ask
-
Capital Raising Objective: AUD $2.5M seed round to fund initial drilling, mapping, and lab analysis
-
Use of Funds:
-
Phase 1 Drilling Campaign (RC and diamond)
-
Detailed Geochemical & Structural Analysis
-
Permitting, Heritage Surveys
-
Marketing and Investor Relations
-
7. Why Now
-
High-grade gold at surface + zero drilling = rare early-mover advantage
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Rising gold prices and Pilbara's exploration renaissance
-
De-risked location with proven regional geology
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Proactive Investors
Last updated: 00:37 27 Mar 2019, First published: 19:19 26 Mar 2019
Pacton Gold Inc looking for high grade gold at Tardarinna as it kicks off field work
SP Global
3 Mar, 2019
Pacton Gold acquiring Tardarinna gold project in Pilbara
https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/newsinsights/trending/38Eo1tCMvr9GWRTtSWTdNg2
Stock Watch
2019-03-26 06:47 ET - News Release
Pacton Gold starts fieldwork at Tardarinna
https://www.stockwatch.com/News/Item.aspx?bid=Z-C%3APAC-2735091
Pacton pounces on Pilbara gold tenements
MARCH 5, 2019 By Staff Writer
https://the-pick.com.au/pacton-pounces-on-pilbara-gold-tenements/
Pacton Gold: Tardarinna Program Commences - Targeting High-Grade, Shear-Hosted Gold In Pilbara
March 26, 2019
Pacton Gold Inc. Commences Initial Field Work Program at the Tardarinna Gold Project in Pilbara, Western Australia
March 26, 2019 at 11:52 am
Pacton Gold (Tardarinna Gold Project) Overview
https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/265783-69#overview
Pacton Gold Increases Exposure to High-Grade Gold in Pilbara Region
01 Mar, 2019, 03:05 ET
BRIEF-Pacton Gold Enters Binding LOI To Acquire 100 Pct Interest In Tardarinna Gold Project
Published Mar 01, 2019 03:07
Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety WAMEX Reports
A File 128357 Annual Technical Report Tardarinna Gold Project for the period ending 22/05/2021 PACTON PILBARA PTY LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A128357
A File 124810 Annual Technical Report Tardarina Gold Project E 47/03745 for the period ending 22 May 2020 PACTON PILBARA PTY LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A124810
A File 120989 Annual Technical Report: Tardarinna Hill E 47/03745 for the period 23 May 2018 to 22 May 2019 PACTON PILBARA PTY LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A120989
A File 93836 Tardarina Hill Prospect E47/1554 West Pilbara Mineral Field Annual Mineral Exploration Report for the period 11 Feb 2011 to 10 Feb 2012 GIBSON J
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A93836
A File 86495 Tardarina Hill Prospect E47/1554, Annual Mineral Exploration Report for the Period 11 February 2009 to 10 February 2010 HAZELWOOD RESOURCES LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A86495
A File 82370 Annual Mineral Exploration Report E47/1554 Tardarina Hill For the Period Ending 10 February 2009 HAZELWOOD RESOURCES LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A82370
A File 70640 Annual Report E47/938, 9 Feb 2004 to 8 Feb 2005 Tardarinna Hill Project, West Pilbara (Pyramid) AURICH PTY LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A70640
A File 68871 Annual Report for the period ending 2004 E47/938 Mr O'Shaughnessy T C
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A68871
A File 66410 Annual Geological Report (Mineral Exploration Report) for the period 09/02/2002 to 08/02/2003 Tardarinna Hill Project E47/938 MR CHEGWIDDEN J
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A66410
A File 64670 E47/938 Annual Geological Report (Mineral-Exploration Report) for the period 09/02/2001 to 08/02/2002 Tardarinna Hill Project AURICH PTY LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A64670
A File 62551 E47/938 Annual Geological Report (Mineral-Exploration Report for the period 09/02/2000 to 08/02/2001 Tardarinna Hill Project. AURICH PTY LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A62551
A File 31454 1990 Report on M47/215, Tardarinna MR NORMAN G
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A31454
A File 10748 Pyramid Project, Non-statutory Report: Final Report for the period 29/02/1981 to 08/01/1982, TR70/7429H. MARATHON PETROLEUM AUST LTD
https://geodocs.dmirs.wa.gov.au/Web/documentlist/10/Report_Ref/A10748