Tenement M04/235 spans much of Cockatoo Island—a former producer of ultra-high-grade hematite (1951–2012). The company is progressing systematic, JORC-aligned high-impact exploration across three priority targets, leveraging infrastructure advantage and historical data continuity to unlock value.
Mining History
Mining on Cockatoo Island has a long history, with large-scale iron ore production beginning in 1951 under BHP. After BHP ceased operations in 1986, the island’s low-grade stockpiles were later targeted for beneficiation. A joint venture between NuGold and Portman Mining began production in 1993, with high-grade ore exports continuing into the late 1990s. Mining resumed through a seawall cutback from 2002, first by Portman and later by Pluton Resources, continuing until 2014.
Switch Pit
Switch Pit
Exploration is underway to test the eastern extension of BHP and Portman’s historical Seawall hematite into Pearl Gull’s lease (M04/235). Reconnaissance and outcrop sampling indicate promising hematite in the footwall—suggestive of low‑risk direct shipping ore (DSO). A planned diamond drilling program (~10 holes, ~2,000 m) aims to confirm grades in accordance with JORC standards
North Bay
Interpretation of stratigraphy suggests structural repeats of high-grade hematite on the island’s northern flank. Several outcropping zones support this view. Exploration drilling has commenced in previously untested areas to assess the potential extent of this target.
Magazine Pit
Located in the southeast of the tenure, this zone is underlain by Magazine Schist containing hematite‑bearing quartzite bands. Historic work (25 RC holes) indicated medium-grade ore (20–40% Fe), and the plans further confirmatory drilling targeting ~20–30 Mt of material.