Western Yilgarn Bolsters Bauxite Base to 188Mt, Eyes Gold Upside in Gascoyne
Western Yilgarn NL has significantly expanded its bauxite portfolio with the acquisition of the Cardea projects, lifting its total JORC bauxite resources to 188 million tonnes, while also securing a promising new gold project in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region.
- Acquisition of Cardea 1, 2, and 3 Bauxite Projects near Julimar West
- Cardea 2 Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate of 2.15Mt at 35.7% available alumina
- Total JORC bauxite resources now stand at 188Mt
- New Gascoyne Gold Project covers 201km² near Glenburgh Gold Project
- Board changes include appointment of Darren Foster and new Chairman Peter Michael
Expanding the Bauxite Footprint
Western Yilgarn NL (ASX – WYX) has made a decisive move to strengthen its position in the bauxite sector by acquiring the Cardea 1, 2, and 3 Bauxite Projects, located within the prolific Darling Range Bauxite Mineral Field. These projects lie just 17 kilometres from the company’s flagship Julimar West Bauxite Project, which already boasts a substantial 168 million tonnes resource. The addition of Cardea lifts Western Yilgarn’s total JORC-compliant bauxite resources to an impressive 188 million tonnes, underscoring the company’s growing asset base in a globally significant aluminium raw material region.
The Cardea 2 project alone has an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 2.15 million tonnes at 35.7% available alumina and a low reactive silica content of 2.8%, which is favourable for processing efficiency. Surface mineralisation extends over 1.7 by 0.5 kilometres, with geological profiles typical of the Darling Range deposits. Cardea 3 shows even broader mineralisation, spanning 3 by 1 kilometres, with historical drilling confirming high-grade bauxite exceeding 34.5% alumina.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantage
All three Cardea projects benefit from proximity to key infrastructure, including the Millendon Junction Railway Line and major highways, facilitating potential direct shipping ore (DSO) operations. This logistical advantage positions Western Yilgarn to capitalise on growing global demand for high-grade bauxite, particularly from alumina refineries in China and the Middle East. The company’s forward plans include systematic exploration of untested areas adjacent to current tenements, aiming to expand the resource base further.
Venturing into Gold with Gascoyne Project
In a notable diversification, Western Yilgarn has also secured the Gascoyne Gold Project, comprising three exploration licences covering 201 square kilometres in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region. Situated just 8.7 kilometres from Benz Mining Corporation’s Glenburgh Gold Project, which hosts over half a million ounces of gold, the Gascoyne project lies within a highly prospective geological setting known as the Dalgaringa Supersuite.
Exploration activities are already underway, with detailed geological and geophysical reviews aimed at identifying drill targets. This move into gold exploration complements Western Yilgarn’s bauxite focus and could unlock significant value if mineralisation is confirmed.
Corporate Developments and Capital Management
On the corporate front, the company appointed Darren Foster as a Non-Executive Director, bringing extensive experience in government, environmental regulation, and public policy. This strategic addition is expected to enhance Western Yilgarn’s ability to navigate regulatory pathways efficiently. Meanwhile, Peter Lewis resigned as Non-Executive Chairman, with Peter Michael stepping into the role.
Financially, Western Yilgarn completed entitlement and priority option offers, raising approximately $54,000 before costs. The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $477,305 and exploration expenditure of $139,165, maintaining a solid foundation to advance its exploration programs.
Looking Ahead
Western Yilgarn’s expanded bauxite resource base and entry into gold exploration mark a pivotal phase for the company. With promising resource quality, strategic infrastructure access, and a strengthened board, the company is well positioned to advance its projects towards development. Upcoming exploration results and resource updates will be critical in shaping investor sentiment and the company’s growth trajectory.
Bottom Line?
Western Yilgarn’s resource expansion and strategic diversification set the stage for a transformative growth phase, but exploration outcomes will be key to unlocking value.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Western Yilgarn prioritise development between its expanded bauxite assets and new gold project?
- What are the timelines and budgets for advancing exploration and potential resource upgrades at Cardea and Gascoyne?
- How might recent board changes influence the company’s strategic direction and stakeholder engagement?