Aurelia Metals Ltd. said Dec. 13 that it secured an additional mining license that will allow underground development to access the North Pod target at its Hera gold mine in New South Wales and provide further drill platforms for exploration to the north.

The company will need to revise its mine operating plan and have the updated plan approved by authorities prior to mining.

In addition, Aurelia said that drilling at North Pod continues to test the lower southern portions of the lode. Assays for an additional 14 holes returned high-grade gold intercepts, including 6 meters at 31.4 g/t of gold, 59 g/t of silver, 5.4% lead and 3.5% zinc.

The results indicate potential for mineralization to plunge steeply to the south below North Pod, and the area remains a high priority for further drilling.

Exploration at the project is ongoing, with the next phase of drilling to focus on the northern extensions of North Pod. The company is also evaluating the potential for additional lodes further along strike from North Pod.