Lion One Metals Ltd. has acquired a new Boart Longyear LM90 underground core drill as part of its strategy to expand production at the Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Mine, with the equipment expected to improve exploration and resource growth in two key mineralised zones.
The Canadian gold producer said the purpose-built underground drill will allow it to conduct deep and inclined drilling from underground for the first time, targeting the high-grade Zone 500 and West Zone at depth to expand and upgrade mineral resources.
Delivery of the LM90 drill is expected by mid-October 2026.
The new rig has a maximum drilling depth of 990 metres and can operate at any drilling angle, from vertically upward to vertically downward. Lion One said its flexibility would enable shorter, faster and more cost-effective drill holes compared with previous drilling campaigns, which were conducted from surface locations.
A dedicated underground drill station is being developed off Level 1051 of the Tuvatu mine, approximately 80 metres south of Zone 2. From there, the company will be able to drill laterally into Zone 500 and the West Zone, as well as target Zone 5 and extensions along strike.
Lion One President and Chief Executive Officer Ian Berzins said the purchase significantly strengthens the company's underground exploration capability.
"The LM90 is an important purchase for Lion One Metals as it significantly increases the versatility and capability of our underground drill fleet," Berzins said.
"We will be able to drill Zone 500 and the West Zone effectively from a dedicated drill station underground for the first time. We're excited to get the drill on site and start targeting those areas as soon as possible."
The LM90 will increase Lion One's active drill fleet to six units, comprising four underground drills and two surface drills. The company said the new drill is also more compact than its existing underground rigs, allowing it to be transported through smaller development drifts and reducing underground development costs.
Lion One began commercial production at Tuvatu in late 2023. The project includes the underground gold mine, processing plant and assay laboratory, while the company also holds exploration licences covering the broader Navilawa Caldera, which hosts multiple gold mineralisation targets.
The company said the new drill will support its long-term objective of expanding resources and increasing gold production from deeper parts of the Tuvatu deposit.
