Sipa Resources (ASX:SRI) started its first on-ground exploration activities at Tunkillia North in South Australia, according to a Monday filing with the Australian bourse.

A systematic infill sampling program is underway at the Tunkillia North gold-in-calcrete geochemical anomaly to refine understanding of the anomaly and identify key targets for follow-up drilling, the filing said.

The company also plans to drill on the Nuckulla Hill project to extend historical drilling at numerous prospects, expected to begin in the June quarter, per the filing.

Shares were up 18% in afternoon trade Monday.