MDKA Begins 3,600-Meter Deep Drilling at Pani Gold Mine, Targeting Additional Resources
Tue 02 Jun 2026, 13:28 PM
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PT Merdeka Gold Resources Tbk (EMAS) has commenced a 3,600-meter diamond deep drilling program at the Pani Gold Mine in Gorontalo. The development is considered significant as it could potentially increase the company’s mineral resources and extend the long-term development prospects of the mine.
Based on an official press release dated May 29, 2026, the initial drilling program consists of six drill holes aimed at testing the continuation of gold mineralization at deeper levels. Currently, one drilling rig is already in operation, while a second rig is scheduled to begin operating next month. The company stated that the program could be expanded if early results indicate positive potential.
The Pani Gold Mine currently holds estimated mineral resources of 291.5 million tons with a gold grade of 0.75 grams per ton, equivalent to approximately 7 million ounces of gold. The estimate comes from a 135-hectare exploration area, which forms part of the company’s total concession area of 14,670 hectares. EMAS is a gold mining company majority-owned by PT Merdeka Copper Gold Tbk (MDKA).
EMAS Expands Exploration Agenda in Gorontalo
Merdeka Gold Resources President Director Boyke Abidin stated that the deep drilling program is being carried out alongside the commencement of production at the Pani Mine. According to the company, the initiative forms part of its long-term resource development strategy and efforts to optimize the gold mine’s potential in the region.
In addition to Pani, the company has also completed an initial drilling program at Kolokoa consisting of 54 drill holes with a total depth of 11,701.6 meters. With an exploration cost of approximately USD 2.4 million, EMAS has set an exploration target for Kolokoa of between 20 million and 40 million tons with gold grades ranging from 0.3 g/t to 0.5 g/t.
The company also plans to begin drilling activities at Lone Pine in the second half of 2026, alongside geophysical surveys using Mobile Magnetotelluric and helicopter-based airborne magnetic surveys scheduled for June or July 2026. The latest drilling results and updated resource estimates will be announced after review in accordance with the JORC Code 2012 and KCMI 2017 standards.
Summary of EMAS Exploration Program
Source: www.bareksa.com
Upcoming Exploration Agenda
• The second drilling rig is scheduled to begin operations next month
• Kolokoa’s maiden resource estimate is targeted for release in the second quarter of 2026
• Lone Pine drilling activities are set to begin in the second half of 2026
• Airborne geophysical surveys are planned for June–July 2026
• Exploration evaluations will follow JORC 2012 and KCMI 2017 standards
Key Investor Considerations
• The exploration program has the potential to increase EMAS’ mineral resource base
• Additional reserves could support the mine’s long-term operational outlook
• Exploration activities reflect the company’s aggressive asset development strategy
• Drilling results still require validation and official resource estimation
Conclusion
The deep drilling program at the Pani Gold Mine reflects EMAS’ continued efforts to strengthen the development of its core gold assets. The focus on deeper exploration areas has attracted market attention due to its potential to expand mineral resources.
Investors may continue monitoring drilling progress, new resource estimates, and the implementation of the company’s broader exploration agenda throughout 2026. These developments could influence EMAS’ long-term operational and growth prospects.
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