‘A significant step forward’: Pioneer ramps up Springfield tungsten gallium prospect drilling plans

• Pioneer has lodged a permitting approval application for a proposed drilling program at the Springfield prospect.
• Drilling in CY26 season; contractor engagement and mobilisation underway
• Progressing submissions to U.S. gov’t for critimins.

Pioneer Minerals (ASX:PMM) has achieved a key milestone in its planning for the North Pine project in Idaho, with a permitting approval application lodged for a proposed drilling program at the Springfield prospect.

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The submission of the plan of operations (PoO) to the US Forest Service (USFS) follows the company’s previously announced exploration and development activities at Springfield.

The PoO outlines a low-impact reverse circulation (RC) drilling program designed to evaluate tungsten, gold and associated critical mineral mineralisation within the project area

CEO, Michael Beven, said the program is designed for 15 RC drill holes targeting deeper mineralisation and up to 20 shallow drill holes within the historic Springfield mine footprint, designed to test and quantify known mineralisation zones.

“Submission of the Plan of Operations marks a significant step forward in advancing the Springfield prospect toward drilling and potential development.

“The program has been specifically designed as a low-impact exploration campaign, leveraging the extensive historic disturbance already present at the Springfield mine. This allows Pioneer to progress exploration while minimising environmental footprint and regulatory complexity.

“With high-grade tungsten and gold results already established, and the recent identification of widespread gallium mineralisation, Springfield is emerging as a highly prospective critical minerals project.

“We are now focused on securing approval and positioning the company for rapid mobilisation ahead of the 2026 field season.”

Drill hole locations for the proposed program have been selected based on prior geological mapping, geochemical sampling and metallurgical test work.

However, Pioneer has retained flexibility to refine final collar positions in the field based on geological observations and ongoing geophysical results.

The program builds on previously reported high-grade tungsten and gold results and the recent identification of widespread gallium mineralisation within the Springfield system.

Tungsten and gallium are recognised as strategically important minerals within the U.S. defence and advanced technology supply chains. Pioneer is currently progressing submissions to U.S. government funding programs targeting the expansion of domestic critical mineral production capacity.

PMM is steady at 18¢. Mkt cap $12.55M.

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