Assays from recent drilling at Orelia have given "encouragement" to the company with hits reported of 1m grading 19.9 grams per tonne from 699m, 14m at 1.5gpt from 646m and 7m at 1.7gpt from 678m.

At the neighbouring Lotus system, Echo believes drilling has indicated continuation of the orebody may be offset, with further structural interpretation required.

Lotus was mined to 500m depth and Echo has been hoping the much shallower exploited Orelia system may similarly extend deeper.

While further assays are awaited, Echo said its "attention now turns" to regional exploration efforts, with results due shortly from Lowlands and Julius North.

Echo is aiming to complete a bankable feasibility study at its Yandal project in the current half, with the company...