Hawthorn Resources (ASX:HAW) began a two-stage reverse circulation drilling program at its Anglo-Saxon gold project in Western Australia to improve confidence in the project's mineral resource estimate as well as to derisk the first stage of a cutback and mining of an expanded open pit, according to a Tuesday Australian bourse filing.

The project is a joint venture between Hawthorn Resources as the manager with a 70% interest, and Gel Resources with a 30% interest.

The program will be undertaken in two stages, with an initial stage of 3,000 meters. Subject to results and interpretation, a further 5,000 meters will follow immediately thereafter.