Novo Resources Corp. (ASX: NVO, TSX: NVO, OTCQB: NSRPF) has confirmed the imminent commencement of extensive drilling operations across multiple key projects in Western Australia's mineral-rich Pilbara region. This significant exploration push follows the successful completion of Tranche 1 of the company's capital raising initiative in March 2026, providing the necessary funding to advance these high-potential targets.
Multi-Project Drilling Campaign
The comprehensive drilling program will initially focus on the previously undrilled Wyloo Antimony Project, where a reverse circulation (RC) drill program is scheduled to begin later this month. This campaign represents the first drilling activity at this site and aims to investigate historical antimony anomalies identified during 2022 sediment sampling. The initial phase will involve approximately 2,500 meters of drilling designed to test the polymetallic vein system, mineralized structures, and potential for stratabound mineralization.
Mike Spreadborough, Executive Co-Chairman and Acting Chief Executive Officer of Novo Resources, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming exploration activities: "Novo's extensive portfolio contains some tremendous targets, and we believe Wyloo, with its historic antimony sample results, provides an excellent start to our 2026 exploration program. This maiden drill program represents a significant step forward for this compelling target."
Gold Prospects in the Karratha Region
Following the Wyloo operations, drilling will shift to the Cronus and Balla Balla Gold Prospects in the Karratha region during the second quarter of 2026. At the Cronus Gold Prospect, the program will commence with five fences totaling approximately 2,000 meters of RC drilling across the Titan Shear. This drilling will test interpreted fault offsets, kinks, and splays between the Titan East Prospect to the southwest and the Weerianna deposit to the northeast.
Spreadborough noted the significance of this drilling: "Cronus, located within a well-mineralized gold district, has never been drill tested before, making this an exciting opportunity for discovery."
Balla Balla Project Follow-Up
At the Balla Balla Project, the company has planned 6,000 meters of Aircore drilling to infill previous anomalies along the Scholl shear at the Babbage and Ramquarry Prospects. This follow-up drilling aims to advance the understanding of shear zone hosted gold targets in this promising area.
"The Balla Balla follow-up drilling program will significantly advance our understanding of these shear zone hosted gold targets," Spreadborough added, highlighting the strategic importance of this phase of exploration.
Project Details and Geological Context
The Wyloo Antimony Project covers two exploration tenements in the southern Pilbara region, specifically the Wyloo SE and Wyloo SW prospects. These sites lie within the core of the Wyloo anticline on the southeastern flank of the Wyloo Dome, which forms a basement high within the Ashburton Basin. Notably, the Paulsens Gold Operation, operated by Black Cat Syndicate (ASX:BC8), is situated approximately 40 kilometers to the northwest within the same geological structure.
Novo has been systematically advancing exploration at Wyloo since regional stream sediment sampling revealed highly anomalous antimony results in 2022. Subsequent mapping and soil sampling activities have significantly enhanced the project's potential, identifying new targets and defining prospective areas ready for drilling.
Future Planning and Approvals
Looking ahead to the third quarter of 2026, Novo has already begun drill planning for the Teichman Project, with operations scheduled to commence once all necessary approvals have been secured. The company has confirmed that fuel supplies are currently secured for the initial Wyloo program, with contingency plans in place to extend drilling under shallow cover if warranted by results.
Spreadborough emphasized the methodical approach to these exploration activities: "Wyloo, initially identified as a prospect through regional helicopter-supported stream sediment sampling, has continued to impress with each subsequent program leading to this maiden drill campaign."
The company's forward work program represents a significant investment in the Pilbara region's mineral potential, with multiple projects scheduled for systematic exploration throughout 2026. These coordinated drilling campaigns across different geological targets demonstrate Novo's comprehensive approach to resource discovery and development in one of Australia's most prospective mining regions.
