07:29 AM EDT, 04/01/2025 (MT Newswires) -- Orla Mining ( ORLA ) , which rose 2.6% and closer to 52 week highs yesterday, on Tuesday launched a $25 million exploration drilling program to expand reserves and resources and extend the Musselwhite Mine in Northwestern Ontario.

A statement noted the Musselwhite Mine has produced nearly six million ounces of gold over its 28-year operating history. Recent exploration efforts have focused on near-mine targets, but historical exploration drilling confirmed that the mineralized system extends at least one kilometre beyond current reserves, Orla said. These results indicate significant potential mineralization beyond the current reserve.

Current plans are to continue underground exploration while restarting drilling from surface to confirm the deposit's down-plunge continuity. The company will also assess near-mine targets through surface drilling for further resource growth and potential new mill feed.

"Our primary objective is to intersect mineralization beyond the current reserves and resources along the down-plunge extension of the mine trend, demonstrating the potential to extend mine life well beyond 2030. We will also continue underground drilling and reactivate surface drilling near the mine to further expand resources and demonstrate the potential for mine life extension and expansion," said Sylvain Guerard, senior vice president, exploration.