Global exploration

Exploration at St Barbara is coordinated globally, with exploration activities conducted near to and surrounding each of our existing operations. Drilling is undertaken in Canada and Papua New Guinea. The aim is twofold: to maintain and extend life of mine at each existing operation, and to provide future growth opportunities.

Exploration activity is ranked via an annual targeting process and is then focused on the highest geologically and value-add targets. There is specific emphasis on more advanced targets in the near mine environment with the potential to provide additional ore sources to support operations in the short and medium term.

The Nova Scotian region

Nova Scotia has a rich history of mining and has been explored for deposits since the 1860s. Between 1896 and 1903, production exceeded 20,000 ounces per year for 16 years. We’re currently exploring prospects along the Moose River Corridor and the south-west region of Nova Scotia, with the aim of extending existing planned pits and potential satellite pits. St Barbara has 21 exploration projects in Nova Scotia and more than 1,900km2 of exploration tenements. Key exploration targets are near existing deposits, with a focus on targets along strike between Touquoy and Fifteen Mile Stream.

The Simberi region

There are extensive exploration areas around our operating mine on Simberi Island, which is in one of the world’s most prospective gold regions. We’re currently exploring sulphide gold resources which would provide an opportunity to utilise our existing infrastructure for potential expansion. Our current gold resources, reserves and mining operations are spread across the eastern half of Simberi Island. The remainder of the island is covered by Exploration Licence, which also covers Tatau and Big Tabar Islands. The focus on exploration in Simberi is on epithermal gold in oxide and sulphide deposits, although there is also the potential for gold and copper beneath the Simberi volcanic stratigraphy.

Ore Reserves & Mineral Resources Statements

31 December 2021 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Statements

31 December 2022 Ore Reserves and Mineral Resources Statements