Trek Metals (ASX:TKM) began a maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Kuro manganese discovery in Western Australia, marking the first subsurface test of manganese mineralization beneath surface outcrops, according to a Tuesday filing with the Australian bourse.

The drilling campaign will focus on several sites within and adjacent to the known manganese mineralization, in addition to selected high-priority geophysical anomalies, per the filing.

The company is also advancing geophysical surveys, including induced polarization and expanded ground gravity work, partly funded through the Western Australian Government's exploration incentive scheme, the filing said.

The company said drill targets will be refined as new geophysical data is received, with the program aimed at assessing the scale and potential of the Kuro discovery, the filing added.

The company's shares rose 13% in recent Tuesday trade.