Morella Corporation has publicly disputed Wildcat Resources’ recent Pre-Feasibility Study for the Tabba Tabba Project, highlighting unacknowledged overlaps with joint venture tenements and reserving legal rights.
- Wildcat’s PFS depicts infrastructure corridors overlapping Morella–Sayona JV tenements
- Morella asserts Wildcat holds no rights to access or develop disputed areas
- No prior consultation or formal notice received by Morella from Wildcat
- Morella seeks further information and reserves all legal rights
- Potential tenure dispute could impact Tabba Tabba Project development
Context of the Dispute
Morella Corporation Limited (ASX, 1MC) has stepped into the spotlight following Wildcat Resources Limited’s (ASX, WC8) release of a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) for the Tabba Tabba Project. The study, published on 29 July 2025, included maps and references to infrastructure corridors and licence applications that overlap with tenements held by the Morella–Sayona Joint Venture. Morella has now publicly clarified that these representations were made without proper acknowledgment of the joint venture’s rights and without any consultation.
Tenure Overlaps and Legal Implications
At the heart of the issue is the depiction of certain Miscellaneous Licence applications and infrastructure corridors as part of Wildcat’s tenure, including areas such as tenement E45/5288, which Morella asserts are under joint venture control. Morella emphasizes that these licence applications remain ungranted and that Wildcat holds no legal rights to access or develop these areas. The company has reserved all legal rights concerning its joint venture interests, signaling a potential tenure dispute that could complicate project development.
Lack of Consultation Raises Concerns
Morella’s announcement highlights that it was not consulted by Wildcat regarding the references made in the PFS or any potential impacts on the joint venture’s ground. Moreover, Morella has not received any formal notice from Wildcat about proposed activities or access relating to the disputed tenements. This lack of communication raises questions about coordination and respect for joint venture boundaries, which are critical in mining projects where tenure clarity is paramount.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Morella is actively seeking further information to understand the basis of Wildcat’s tenure representations. The company has committed to keeping the market informed of any material developments. Given the strategic importance of the Tabba Tabba Project and the involvement of multiple parties, this dispute could have wider implications for project timelines, investment confidence, and regional resource development.
Strategic Positioning in Critical Minerals
Morella Corporation continues to focus on advancing its portfolio of critical and specialty minerals, including lithium and rubidium, across Australia and the United States. The Tabba Tabba Project is a key asset within this portfolio, and securing clear tenure rights is essential for unlocking its potential. This tenure clarification underscores the complexities companies face in navigating overlapping claims and regulatory frameworks in the mining sector.
Bottom Line?
Morella’s tenure challenge sets the stage for a potentially pivotal dispute over Tabba Tabba’s development rights.
Questions in the middle?
- What is Wildcat Resources’ legal basis for including overlapping tenements in its PFS?
- Could this tenure dispute delay or derail the Tabba Tabba Project’s development timeline?
- How will Sayona Mining’s clarification influence the resolution between Morella and Wildcat?