What is the size of the Bothaville licence area?

The new gold prospecting right awarded to Reef Exploration covers 18,627.2 hectares in the Free State province of South Africa. This area was previously split between two separate licences. Now unified, it gives Reef uninterrupted exploration access across the full licence area. Located in the mineral-rich Witwatersrand Basin, the region holds significant geological interest for gold. The large, consolidated footprint allows the company to conduct broader surveys, drilling campaigns, and resource evaluations across a continuous and fully permitted exploration zone.

Reef Secures Five-Year Right to Explore Bothaville

Q: How much gold is estimated in the Bothaville target?

According to a maiden JORC-compliant exploration target released in 2025, the licence area holds between 16 million and 30 million tonnes of gold-bearing ore. The estimated grade ranges between 3.26 and 6.03 grams per ton, equating to a potential 1.68 to 5.82 million ounces of contained gold. These early-stage figures serve as a preliminary benchmark and will be further refined through detailed geological work. JORC compliance ensures the estimates are reported transparently and follow international standards for public reporting.

Q: What makes the Witwatersrand Basin significant for gold?

The Witwatersrand Basin is one of the world’s most productive gold regions, having yielded over 40% of all gold ever mined globally. Located in South Africa, it contains deep gold-rich deposits with high-grade reef structures. The geology of the basin has made it a focal point for gold exploration and mining for more than a century. Reef Exploration’s Bothaville project lies within this basin, giving the company access to proven mineralization zones with potential for large-scale gold resource development.

Q: What does Reef plan to do next?

Now that Reef Exploration has secured the consolidated prospecting right, it plans to move forward with expanded geological surveys and targeted drilling programs. These efforts will focus on verifying and upgrading the existing JORC-compliant exploration target. The company will also conduct mapping, sampling, and geophysical work to better define the ore body. Results from this phase will inform a potential mineral resource estimate. If successful, Reef may proceed with pre-feasibility assessments, which are key steps toward future mine development.

National Coal Suppliers
Jul 7
5 min read

What does Reef’s new Bothaville license mean for gold exploration? A consolidated prospecting right unlocks access to a 5.82M oz target in the Witwatersrand Basin.

Author: National Coal Supplier is trusted by 10,000+ readers monthly for the latest news in coal mining, gold, and chrome.

Reef Secures Five-Year Right to Explore Bothaville

Key Takeaways

Reef Exploration granted a 5-year prospecting right
Covers 18,627.2 ha in South Africa’s Free State province
Consolidates and replaces older Bothaville licenses
JORC-compliant target: 1.68–5.82 million ounces gold
Licence valid through 2030 with renewal option

Reef Exploration, a South African subsidiary of Lexington Gold, has been awarded a new prospecting right for the Bothaville gold project. The license was issued by South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.

This right allows Reef to carry out exploration activities over a consolidated area in the Free State. It is a key development for advancing the company’s plans to evaluate and develop one of the most geologically significant gold-bearing zones in the region.

Exploration Period Runs Through May 2030

The prospecting right is valid for five years and will remain active until May 7, 2030. Reef Exploration also has the option to renew the license for an additional three-year period. This extended timeframe gives the company the opportunity to conduct detailed drilling, sampling, and technical assessments without the risk of near-term expiry.

Having a long-term license supports continuity in exploration programs and strengthens future planning for resource development in the Bothaville area.

A timeline titled "Reef Exploration's Long-Term Prospecting Journey" shows key dates: May 7, 2025 for prospecting start, May 7, 2030 for prospecting expiration, and May 7, 2033 for potential license renewal deadline.

Licence Consolidation Replaces Two Prior Holdings

This newly granted right merges and supersedes the previous prospecting rights formerly held by White Rivers Exploration. By consolidating these licenses into one, Reef Exploration now holds a streamlined and simplified tenure structure.

This eliminates any overlap or administrative friction between the two original permits. It also gives the company full access to the 18,627.2 hectares previously split under separate licenses, creating operational efficiency and consistency in managing exploration work across the site.

Exploration Target Based on JORC-Compliant Data

The consolidated license area includes a JORC-compliant exploration target that was established earlier in 2025. The range is estimated to be between 16 million and 30 million tons of ore, with average grades between 3.26 and 6.03 grams per ton.

This represents a potential gold content of 1.68 to 5.82 million ounces. JORC standards are globally recognized and add credibility to the estimates, offering a strong baseline for resource modeling and potential future mining activities. Also read more about how Lupaka won a $40M ICSID dispute against Peru.

Prospecting Site Located in Witwatersrand Basin

The Bothaville project sits within the Witwatersrand Basin, South Africa’s most famous and productive gold region. The area has long been recognized for its exceptional gold reserves and is home to some of the world's deepest and richest mines.

Reef’s prospecting right covers a section of this gold-rich basin, enhancing the potential for high-value resource discovery. Access to land in this region is a major advantage for gold exploration companies like Lexington Gold.

A diagram titled "Gold Prospecting in Witwatersrand Basin" shows concentric layers representing Witwatersrand Basin, Gold Reserves, and Prospecting Right, with annotations about South Africa's gold-rich region and exceptional gold deposits.

Reef’s Plans for Development and Exploration

With the license secured, Reef Exploration plans to expand its field operations. The focus will be on geological mapping, geophysical studies, and core drilling to validate and refine the JORC estimates.

The company is expected to invest in further exploration to determine the quality, grade, and scale of the mineralized zones. The new right provides confidence to investors, partners, and regulatory bodies, setting the stage for advanced planning and potential development in the coming years.

Lexington Gold’s CEO Welcomes Licence Milestone

Dr. Bernard Olivier, CEO of Lexington Gold, said the company was pleased to receive the consolidated right. He called it a significant step in advancing a high-potential gold project in the Witwatersrand Basin.

Olivier noted that the project already has a defined JORC exploration target of up to 5.82 million ounces. He believes this approval strengthens Reef Exploration’s ability to complete upcoming exploration phases and move closer to establishing a defined mineral resource.

Strategic Benefits of the New Prospecting Right

By consolidating previous licenses and securing exploration tenure through 2030, Reef Exploration reduces administrative complexity and aligns exploration with a clear strategic timeline. The company can now operate across the full Bothaville area without boundary constraints.

The right also helps improve relationships with regulators and supports clearer reporting. It’s a critical move for maintaining momentum and establishing a firm foundation for deeper geological investigation and, potentially, future mining operations.

A diagram titled "Strategic Benefits of the New Prospecting Right" highlights advantages like reduced administrative complexity, operational freedom, and improved regulatory relationships for exploration in the Bothaville area until 2030.

Outlook for the Bothaville Gold Project

Reef Exploration is expected to continue expanding its exploration programs within the licensed area. With a significant JORC-compliant target already in place, the company has a strong incentive to define a formal resource.

The five-year license allows for in-depth work, including metallurgical testing and environmental assessments. These steps are necessary before the project can be considered for production. If early indicators prove accurate, Bothaville may become a valuable addition to South Africa’s gold mining sector.

Major Step Forward for Gold Exploration Strategy

This new prospecting right positions Reef Exploration for serious progress in the South African gold sector. The license’s five-year duration, JORC-compliant target, and large consolidated area all support deeper drilling and exploration.

It marks a shift from fragmented licensing to unified control of a promising gold deposit. With experienced leadership and a proven location in the Witwatersrand Basin, Reef has a real opportunity to define a large-scale gold resource that could shape its long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the size of the Bothaville license area?

The new prospecting right covers a total of 18,627.2 hectares. This land was previously held under two separate licenses by White Rivers Exploration. The consolidation of those permits into one provides Reef Exploration with full access to a large, continuous exploration zone. The area is located within the Witwatersrand Basin, which has produced a significant portion of South Africa’s gold over the past century and is considered one of the richest gold regions in the world.

How much gold is estimated in the Bothaville target?

According to a JORC-compliant target released in 2025, the license area contains between 16 million and 30 million tons of ore. Grades range from 3.26 to 6.03 grams per ton, which translates to between 1.68 and 5.82 million ounces of contained gold. This range reflects early-stage exploration and will be refined as more drilling and geological analysis takes place. The JORC standard ensures transparency and provides investors with a reliable method of evaluating project potential.

Who awarded the new gold prospecting right?

The South African Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) awarded the five-year prospecting right to Reef Exploration. The license is valid until May 7, 2030, and may be renewed for a further three years. This government approval gives the company exclusive rights to explore the Bothaville area for gold. The DMPR’s decision represents regulatory confidence in Reef Exploration’s work and aligns with South Africa’s commitment to promoting responsible mineral development.

What makes the Witwatersrand Basin significant for gold?

The Witwatersrand Basin is one of the most productive gold regions in the world. Located in South Africa, it has produced over 40% of all gold ever mined globally. The basin contains high-grade, deep-seated gold reefs and has attracted both local and international mining firms for decades. Reef Exploration’s new license allows it to explore part of this basin through the Bothaville project. This gives the company access to proven geology with strong exploration potential.

What does Reef plan to do next?

Reef Exploration will begin a series of technical activities to advance the Bothaville project. This includes detailed geological mapping, core drilling, and possibly trench sampling to gather more data on ore body characteristics. The company also plans to validate the existing JORC-compliant target and assess new zones of mineralization. Over time, these efforts will inform a potential mineral resource estimate. If results are positive, Reef could move toward pre-feasibility studies and long-term mine planning.