Star Minerals (ASX:SMS) said it is progressing mining works approvals for the Tumblegum South gold project in Western Australia, with geotechnical characterization and slope stability assessments, surface and groundwater studies, and an environmental report underway, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.

It plans to begin drill pad clearing for infill and extensional drilling set to begin this month, the filing said.

Infill drilling aims to increase existing mineral resource confidence. It will also generate some of the samples required for waste material classification via infill drilling, which is required to define the waste dumps and mine closure plans.

The firm's shares fell 4% on market close on Wednesday.