Junior Explorer Gains Momentum in Tanami
Prodigy Gold has received $112,046 in support from the Northern Territory Government under its Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations initiative to advance its upcoming drilling activities. The funding supports vital activities at two of its flagship assets in the Tanami region: the historic Old Pirate Mine and the high-potential Hyperion Project .
Managing Director Mark Edwards welcomed the grant, saying it bolsters Prodigy’s capabilities as a locally based company. “Co-funding allows us to drill deeper, cost-effectively explore, and fast-track discoveries,” he said . The support comes amidst a broader push: the NT Government’s funding pool injected $3.9 million across 38 collaborative projects, aimed at maintaining exploration momentum in remote areas.
Prodigy drill rig poised over prospective rock in the Tanami.
Source: Prodigy Gold NL
Reviving Old Pirate: From Historic Mine to Future Asset
The Old Pirate Mine, originally closed in 2015 due to weaker gold prices (below US $1,500/oz), is again under evaluation. With gold currently trading near US $5,130/oz, Prodigy is examining whether the existing resource and infrastructure can be economically reopened.
Situated on a tenement previously mined with grades around 7–12 g/t, the site presents compelling economics for a revival. Prodigy is now working through environmental approvals and assessing drilling data to inform its development pathway.
Successful recommissioning could create multiple direct employment roles, scaling Prodigy’s workforce from four to 15 during drilling campaigns, with further positions Opex-project launch.
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Hyperion: High-Grade Promise
Alongside Old Pirate, Prodigy is focused on Hyperion—a Central Tanami exploration play up to 150 km from its base. Drilling earlier this year delivered standout intercepts, including 10 m @ 15.9 g/t, reinforcing Hyperion’s potential.
The company has lodged a mining lease application for Hyperion, although full approvals could take up to two years. Upgraded road access and the latest NTGS geophysical data have significantly enhanced both logistical efficiency and the exploration scope for companies operating in the region.
Hyperion drill site with rocky outcrop in background.
Source: Hyperion Drilling (Facebook)
Impact of NT Government Strategy
The government’s Resourcing the Territory program, which channels $9.5 million annually, is designed to support exploration across minerals including gold, critical metals, and uranium . With mining royalties projected to dip, strategic investment in junior explorers is viewed as vital for maintaining sector vitality.
Edwards emphasised the importance of continued public-private partnerships:
“Small explorers are the spear tip of discovery; this support allows us to identify the next big mineral projects in the NT.”
Economic and Community Benefits
The drilling program is expected to generate direct and indirect jobs, particularly for local contractors, suppliers, and support services. It may also stimulate survey, geophysics and environmental assessment activities in the remote Tanami region.
If Old Pirate is successfully restarted and Hyperion progresses, Prodigy aims to foster regional economic resilience while contributing to the NT’s diversification beyond traditional mining centres.
Picture the Future: Unlocking the Tanami’s Potential
Backed by new funding and improved access routes, Prodigy Gold is strategically placed to capitalise on the renewed momentum in Tanami exploration. The proximity of its projects to Newmont’s Granites mine—one of Australia’s largest—adds strategic value and shared logistics opportunities.
Success at Old Pirate and Hyperion could trigger further exploration rounds, joint ventures, and project development—cementing Prodigy’s place in the region’s growth story.
Satellite view of Tanami region exploration zones.
Source: xnatmap
Investor and Stakeholder Outlook
For shareholders, the combination of grant funding, advanced drilling results, and potential mine restarts offers a high-impact exploration narrative. The next 12 months should provide clarity on resource upgrades, licencing progress, and drilling extensions.
Conclusion: Prodigy Gold Ignites Next Chapter in Northern Territory Mining
The Prodigy Gold NT grant and its renewed focus on Old Pirate and Hyperion isn’t just a case of business-as-usual in Australia’s mining narrative. It underscores how policy-backed exploration incentives and technical ambition can converge to unlock real value in previously sidelined gold fields.
With the government’s support, improved drilling technology, and a recalibrated leadership team, Prodigy is signalling it’s ready to convert potential into resource-backed results. If successful, the miner may not only revive two known deposits but also inspire confidence in the Northern Territory’s next mining chapter—one led by juniors, driven by grants, and guided by data-rich exploration.
As the global race for critical minerals and precious metals accelerates, Australia’s junior explorers like Prodigy may well be sitting on golden tickets—both literally and metaphorically.
