# Barton Gold Tunkillia Project Drilling and Approvals > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/barton-gold-tunkillia-development > Updated: 2026-09-08T00:36:48.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 6. Barton Gold has completed its Phase-2 reverse-circulation and diamond drilling programme at the Tunkillia gold project in South Australia. The campaign added 38,760 m across 311 holes, bringing the total drilling for the resource upgrade effort to 57,653 m across 520 holes when combined with Phase 1. During the final stages of the program in late July 2026, assay results included a 29-metre interval grading 1.24 g/t Au (with 4 m at 4.08 g/t) and a 19-metre interval grading 1.34 g/t Au. Managing Director Alex Scanlon stated that results “generally exceeded expectations, with positive surprises in some zones offering material upside potential.” The drilling has infilled high-value pits and identified broader, higher-grade extensions in Area 51. In late August 2026, the company confirmed new high-grade gold mineralisation from the Phase 2 campaign, identifying significant intercepts within shallow zones of existing starter pit outlines. Notable results include 6 metres at 6.61 g/t Au (featuring a 1-metre interval of 32.4 g/t Au) and 11 metres at 2.87 g/t Au (including 1 metre at 10.6 g/t Au). These findings are expected to support mineralisation extensions and enhance the grade profile for the upcoming pre-feasibility study (PFS). In early September 2026, the South Australian Department for Energy & Mining (DEM) approved the environmental Scoping Report for the Tunkillia Gold Project. This approval establishes the official terms of reference for the project’s development approvals process and is a primary step toward securing a Mining Lease (ML). The approved report defines the environmental studies, modeling, and community engagement programs required for future approvals. Following the resource upgrade drilling, Barton Gold has commenced a sterilisation drilling program to test potential locations for critical infrastructure. The company is also conducting environmental, cultural heritage, and renewable energy evaluations. ## Claims - Barton Gold conducted approximately 40,000 metres of Phase 2 reverse‑circulation drilling at the Tunkillia Gold Project in South Australia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The drilling program infilled Area 223 North and the southern portion of the main Area 223 optimized open pit. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A notable assay intersected 29 metres at 1.24 g/t gold from 48 metres depth, including 4 metres at 4.08 g/t. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Another intersected 19 metres at 1.34 g/t gold from 149 metres depth, including 4 metres at 2.85 g/t. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Phase 2 results have infilled the highest‑value S1/S2 pits and identified broader, higher‑grade extensions in Area 51. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A pre‑feasibility study for Tunkillia, led by GR Engineering, is targeted for completion in the first quarter of calendar 2027. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Barton expects the completed drilling program to support upgrades to its gold and silver mineral resources ahead of the PFS. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Managing Director Alexander Scanlon said the assays confirm broad mineralisation and support potential quantity and grade improvements. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Barton Gold has completed about 40,000 metres of Phase 2 reverse‑circulation drilling at the Tunkillia Gold Project. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The drilling infilled Area 223 North and the southern part of the main Area 223 optimised open pits. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Assay results include 29 m at 1.24 g/t Au from 48 m depth, including 4 m at 4.08 g/t Au. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Additional assay results include 19 m at 1.34 g/t Au from 149 m depth, including 4 m at 2.85 g/t Au. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-08: Barton Gold receives environmental approval for Tunkillia Gold Project Barton Gold Holdings has received environmental Scoping Report approval from South Australia's DEM for its Tunkillia Gold Project, marking a key step toward mining lease approvals. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barton-gold-receives-environmental-approval-for-tunkillia-gold-project ### 2026-08-31: Barton Gold confirms high-grade mineralisation at Tunkillia project Barton Gold confirmed high-grade gold mineralisation at its Tunkillia project in South Australia, supporting potential resource upgrades and its upcoming 2027 pre-feasibility study. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barton-gold-confirms-high-grade-mineralization-at-tunkillia-project ### 2026-08-20: Barton Gold begins sterilisation drilling at Tunkillia project Barton Gold has started sterilisation drilling at its Tunkillia project in South Australia to secure infrastructure sites and advance its gold and silver development toward a pre-feasibility study. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barton-gold-begins-sterilisation-drilling-at-tunkillia-project ### 2026-08-06: Barton Gold completes Phase 2 drilling at South Australia's Tunkillia gold project Barton Gold finished Phase 2 drilling at its Tunkillia gold project in South Australia, totaling 57,653 m in 520 holes, aiming to upgrade resources and model the S1 pit to produce 206 koz gold and 491 koz Ag, P 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barton-gold-completes-phase-2-drilling-at-south-australias-tunkillia-gold-project ### 2026-07-29: Barton Gold Nears Completion of 40,000 m Tunkillia Phase 2 Drilling; PFS Targeted for 2027 Barton Gold nears the end of a 40,000 m Phase 2 drill program at Tunkillia, SA, delivering key gold intersections and supporting a PFS slated for Q1 2027, with expected resource upgrades for gold and silver. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barton-gold-nears-completion-of-40000metre-phase-2-drilling-at-tunkillia-australia ### 2026-07-24: Barton Gold advances Tunkillia gold project in South Australia Barton Gold announced strong drill results at South Australia's Tunkillia gold project and outlined next steps toward resource updates, a feasibility study, and a mining licence. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/barton-gold-advances-tunkillia-gold-project-in-south-australia --- Cite as: Barton Gold Tunkillia Project Drilling and Approvals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/barton-gold-tunkillia-development