Manhattan Gold completes Hook Lake LiDAR, channel sampling

Manhattan Gold Corporation (ASX:MHC) has wrapped up a high-resolution LiDAR and orthophoto survey and finished its first channel sampling at the Hook Lake project in Canada. The company is accelerating exploration, with drilling already underway at the Jaws target.

LiDAR data, collected at 10 pulses per square metre alongside digital aerial photography, will produce a detailed digital terrain model and 10–15cm orthophotos across the full property. That dataset is the foundation for structural interpretation, gold targeting, drill hole planning, and future engineering work.

“LiDAR is a foundational dataset that will support the company’s exploration for years to come, from structural targeting through to drill planning and future engineering studies,” Eric Sondergaard, technical advisor, said. He added that the company secured a specialist survey aircraft already in the region, which cut the mobilisation cost.

At the Vanquish prospect, the field team collected 47 rock chip and channel samples across multiple rock types. These are the first systematic surface samples from that zone. The samples are at the laboratory; assay results should arrive in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the RC drill rig and support equipment are on site at Jaws. Initial drill pads are built, and drilling has started. Sondergaard described that as “the key operational step in the current program, moving the company from target definition into direct drill testing.”

The sequence matters for exploration investors. LiDAR gives structural context. Channel sampling provides surface-grade data. Drilling tests the subsurface. Each layer reduces geological uncertainty. Assays from Vanquish are the next scheduled catalyst.

MHC shares traded flat at 2.3¢, giving the company a market cap of A$15.15 million.