Australian mining firm Southern Gold Ltd is on the cusp of a large gold discovery in eastern Cambodia, according to data obtained in recent geological surveys and test drillings.

“Based on what the company knows about Cambodia, Southern Gold believes that it is well-positioned to make a major gold discovery in Cambodia,” said Stephen Biggins, managing director of Southern Gold.

The company in March announced it had obtained readings of 3.45 grams of gold per tonne for one meter at a depth of 74 meters in test drillings at its Snoul concession in Kratie province. According to Biggins, further tests have confirmed the earlier findings. However, he did not say exactly where the company expected its big gold find to occur.

“We are collecting information on a number of fronts, which include large airborne geophysical surveys, geological mapping, drilling and detailed soil surveys,” he said.“And we believe we will make a major discovery very soon.” Southern Gold has the right to eight concessions in Kratie, Mondulkiri and Ratanakkiri.