Here’s a bold statement: the future of gold mining in Australia might just hinge on projects like Great Boulder Resources’ Side Well Gold Project. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some see it as a golden opportunity, others question the sustainability of expanding mining operations in already resource-rich regions. Let’s dive in.
Great Boulder Resources (https://www.greatboulder.com.au/) (ASX:GBR) is making waves in the mining industry by ramping up efforts to expand the known resource at its Side Well Gold Project, nestled near Meekatharra in Western Australia. The plan? Restart drilling to unlock even more of the project’s potential. And this is the part most people miss—the project already boasts a substantial resource of 16 million tonnes grading 2 grams per tonne, totaling 1.02 million ounces of gold, with 61% classified as indicated resources. What’s more, a whopping 90% of this resource is prime for open-pit mining, making it both accessible and cost-effective.
Within the Side Well project lies the Mulga Bill deposit, a standout asset with a resource of 642,000 ounces of gold. This includes a high-grade component of 441,000 ounces at an impressive 5.3g/t, as reported by Mining.com.au (https://mining.com.au/great-boulder-increases-side-wells-resources/). Great Boulder isn’t slowing down—they’re currently operating three rigs across the project, focusing on deep diamond drilling at Mulga Bill to uncover even more of its potential.
In a thrilling development, Great Boulder intersected visible gold in a brecciated quartz vein at Mulga Bill in December 2025, with coarse gold visible from 503.5 meters down. This discovery, as highlighted by Mining.com.au (https://mining.com.au/great-boulder-hits-visible-gold-at-mulga-bill/), underscores the project’s untapped potential. Managing Director Andrew Paterson emphasizes that this is just the tip of the iceberg, stating, ‘We’ve gathered overwhelming evidence that this asset’s resource is ripe for a significant increase. The mineralization is open in multiple directions, and our spectacular gold intersection 250 meters below previous drilling at Mulga Bill last year highlights how underexplored this area truly is.’
Here’s the controversial part: while expanding resources creates value for shareholders and opens up development opportunities, it also raises questions about environmental impact and long-term sustainability. Paterson counters, ‘With gold prices hitting record highs and three mills nearby, Side Well is perfectly positioned in one of Australia’s most exciting gold regions. Every ounce we uncover adds to the project’s potential and our ability to maximize returns.’
Situated in the Meekatharra gold field, the Side Well Gold Project is Great Boulder’s flagship venture, strategically located adjacent to Westgold Resources’ (https://www.westgold.com.au/) (ASX:WGX) Paddy’s Flat operation. As a mineral exploration company with a portfolio of gold and base metals assets in Western Australia, Great Boulder is no stranger to uncovering value in the ground.
So, what’s your take? Is Great Boulder’s ambitious expansion of the Side Well project a game-changer for the gold mining industry, or does it raise more questions than it answers? Let us know in the comments below. For more insights, reach out to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au (https://mining.com.au/).
Images: Great Boulder Resources
