Highlights 

  • Drilling at Wharekirauponga continues to expand high-grade gold zones. 
  • New intercepts confirm extension of the EG vein by approximately 135 m to the south. 
  • Draft decision issued indicating provisional approval for the Waihi North Project. 
  • High-grade results from EG, hanging wall, and footwall veins support further resource growth. 
  • Early works for Waihi North progress with planned capital spend of USD 45 million in 2025. 

OceanaGold Corporation (TSX:OGC) has released new drilling results from its Wharekirauponga exploration program in New Zealand, delivering additional high-grade intercepts that extend the mineralized footprint of the East Graben vein system. The latest drill holes confirm that mineralization continues approximately 135 m beyond previous boundaries, increasing confidence in the potential scale of the system. 

Key intercepts include 13.9 m at 25.8 g/t Au from hole WKP137A and a standout 1.8 m at 108.1 g/t Au from hole WKP124J. These results, along with consistent grades from hanging wall (HW) and footwall structures, reinforce the district’s position as one of OceanaGold’s most promising growthassets. 

Drilling success across both definition and conversion programs continues to strengthen geological continuity. Notably, step-out hole WKP140A confirmed vein continuity farther south, extending the known strike length of the EG vein to roughly 1.5 km. This expansion supports future resource upgrades and emphasizes the district’s long-term development potential. 

Advancement of the Waihi North Project Approvals 

In parallel with its exploration progress, OceanaGold received a draft decision from the New Zealand government’s Expert Panel indicating a provisional intention to approve the Waihi North Project under the Fast-track Approvals Act. While still subject to review and comment, this marks a significant advancement for the project. 

The final decision is expected by the end of 2025. If approved, Waihi North would extend the mine life of the company's Waihi operations and enhance local economic opportunities. OceanaGold continues to engage withstakeholdersto ensure the project meets environmental and operational expectations. 

Early works are underway, including construction of a 5 km services trench and expansion of the water treatment plant. These activities are progressing steadily, with the company planning to allocate USD 45 million in 2025 to advance infrastructure and project readiness. 

Growing Exploration Capacity for 2026 and Beyond 

With new permits secured, OceanaGold plans to increase its exploration capacity significantly. The company aims to double the number of rigs on-site—up to six operating simultaneously—beginning in 2026. This expanded drilling effort will accelerate the definition and conversion of resources in the Wharekirauponga district. 

Recent intercepts from multiple vein systems, including FW and HW structures, continue to highlight additional zones that may contribute to future resource growth. The company's integrated exploration strategy aims to maximize the value of both high-grade zones and surrounding mineralized structures. 

Conclusion 

OceanaGold’s latest exploration and permitting milestones demonstrate meaningful progress across its New Zealand portfolio. The extension of high-grade mineralization at Wharekirauponga, combined with the provisional approval pathway for the Waihi North Project, positions the company for continued expansion of its operational footprint. With stronger exploration capacity on the horizon and infrastructure works underway, OceanaGold is advancing toward delivering long-term value for shareholders and local communities. 

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