Cardea 2 Adds 20Mt at 32.1% Alumina to Western Yilgarn’s WA Bauxite Portfolio

Western Yilgarn Expands Bauxite Footprint in WA

Western Yilgarn Limited (ASX – WYX) has taken a significant step forward in its bauxite ambitions with the announcement of a maiden JORC 2012 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Cardea 2 Bauxite Project, located in the Darling Range region north of Perth, Western Australia. The new resource adds approximately 20 million tonnes at 32.1% Total Alumina and 26.3% Total Silica, with a high-grade subset of 2.15 million tonnes grading 35.7% Available Alumina and a low 2.8% Reactive Silica.

This addition complements Western Yilgarn’s flagship Julimar West Bauxite Project, which boasts a substantial 168 million tonnes at 36.1% Alumina. Together, these projects now underpin a combined JORC resource base of 188 million tonnes, positioning the company as a notable player within the Darling Range bauxite province.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages

Cardea 2’s proximity to key infrastructure is a standout feature. Situated just 16.5 kilometres southeast of Julimar West and within trucking distance of a multi-user railway, the project benefits from logistical advantages that could facilitate efficient transport to export ports. This is particularly timely given the current elevated alumina and bauxite prices globally.

The project’s location near Perth, major ports, and established infrastructure enhances its potential to support a small- to medium-scale direct shipping ore (DSO) operation. Bauxite from the Darling Range is prized for its high-grade gibbsitic composition and low reactive silica content, making it well-suited for export to alumina refineries in China and the Middle East.

Robust Technical Foundation and Metallurgical Potential

The resource estimate is based on 139 drill holes out of a total 316 completed to date, with mineralisation extending from surface to a depth of 5.5 metres. The estimation was independently conducted by Odessa Resources Pty Ltd, employing industry-standard techniques compliant with the 2012 JORC Code.

Metallurgical test work, including bomb digest analyses and beneficiation trials, indicates promising alumina grades and manageable reactive silica levels. Wet screening and gravity separation tests suggest potential for upgrading the ore quality, with available alumina recoveries exceeding 88% and reactive silica reduced to approximately 3.5%. These characteristics are critical for economic processing at alumina refineries.

Outlook and Exploration Upside

Western Yilgarn’s Non-Executive Director, Pedro Kastellorizos, highlighted the scalability of the Cardea 2 resource and the significant potential for further growth. A sizeable untested area remains on the western portion of the exploration licence, offering a clear pathway for resource expansion through additional drilling.

With planning underway for the next phase of exploration across both Cardea 2 and Julimar West, the company is well-positioned to enhance its resource base and advance towards development. The combination of strong grades, favourable metallurgy, and strategic location bodes well for Western Yilgarn’s ambitions to become a competitive independent supplier of high-quality bauxite.