Orpheus Uranium Targets Drilling Approval by Q4 After Key Agreement
Orpheus Uranium has secured a Native Title Mining Agreement with the Wilyakali people, unlocking advanced exploration at its Radium Hill South and Mundaerno projects. This milestone sets the stage for drilling approvals expected by late 2025.
- Native Title Mining Agreement executed with Wilyakali RNTBC
- Enables transition from early to advanced exploration stages
- Heritage clearance surveys underway in collaboration with Wilyakali
- Drilling regulatory approvals anticipated in Q4 2025
- Robust geological models underpin Radium Hill South and Mundaerno projects
A Milestone in Indigenous Partnership
Orpheus Uranium Limited (ASX, ORP) has taken a significant step forward by executing a Native Title Mining Agreement (NTMA) with the Wilyakali Native Title Aboriginal Corporation, the Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the Wilyakali Determination Area. This agreement is not merely a formality but a foundational framework that allows Orpheus to advance its exploration activities beyond preliminary stages at its Radium Hill South and Mundaerno uranium projects in South Australia.
From Early Exploration to Drilling Readiness
The NTMA facilitates critical heritage clearance surveys conducted jointly with Wilyakali representatives, ensuring that cultural and environmental considerations are respected as exploration intensifies. These clearances are a prerequisite for securing government regulatory approvals necessary to commence drilling programs, which Orpheus anticipates obtaining by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Meanwhile, Orpheus’ internal technical team continues to refine target areas through detailed reinterpretation of historical drilling data and regional geophysical surveys. This ongoing analysis aims to sharpen the focus on palaeochannel uranium deposits, geological formations known to host economically viable uranium mineralisation.
Geological Promise at Radium Hill South and Mundaerno
The Radium Hill South project benefits from a geological setting comparable to established uranium deposits such as Four Mile and Beverley. Historical drill results have revealed promising uranium concentrations, with intercepts including 2 meters at 507 ppm eU3O8. The presence of host rocks from the historic Radium Hill Uranium Fields and nearby granite sources enhances the prospectivity of the area.
Similarly, the Mundaerno project lies within the Yarramba Palaeochannel headwaters, a region known for uranium deposits like Honeymoon and Jason. The Eyre Formation sediments here are proven hosts for uranium mineralisation, making Mundaerno a compelling target for further exploration.
Looking Ahead
Orpheus is advancing multiple preparatory steps in parallel, including submission of regulatory documentation, stakeholder engagement, and heritage surveys. The company’s CEO, Clinton Dubieniecki, emphasised the importance of the NTMA in demonstrating respectful engagement with the Wilyakali people and expressed optimism about progressing these projects to drill-ready status.
As Orpheus moves towards drilling, the market will be watching closely to see if these geological prospects translate into tangible resource discoveries, potentially positioning the company as a notable player in Australia’s uranium sector.
Bottom Line?
Orpheus’ Native Title agreement unlocks new exploration horizons, but the real test lies in upcoming drilling results.
Questions in the middle?
- Will regulatory approvals for drilling be secured on schedule in Q4 2025?
- How will heritage clearance outcomes influence the scope and timing of exploration activities?
- What are the potential commercial implications if uranium mineralisation is confirmed at Radium Hill South and Mundaerno?