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Yandal’s Arrakis Drilling Faces Key Assay Wait Amid Active Exploration Schedule

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Yandal Resources has initiated a targeted reverse circulation drilling program at its Arrakis Prospect, aiming to validate and extend promising gold mineralisation identified by recent air-core drilling. Assay results are expected within weeks, potentially shaping the next phase of exploration.

  • ~2,000m RC drilling program commenced at Arrakis Prospect
  • 6 to 10 holes targeting fresh rock mineralisation below air-core intercepts
  • Completion expected within 10-16 days; assays due in 5-7 weeks
  • Heritage surveys scheduled to support further drilling phases
  • Gordons Gold Project tenement sale nearing completion for A$2.81m

Exploration Momentum Builds at Arrakis

Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX, YRL) has kicked off a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at its Arrakis Prospect, part of the broader Caladan target area within the Ironstone Well-Barwidgee Gold Project in Western Australia's prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt. This program follows a series of encouraging air-core drilling results that delineated a mineralised trend extending over 2.2 kilometres.

The current RC program, comprising six to ten holes totaling approximately 2,000 metres, is designed to test fresh rock mineralisation beneath the previously identified air-core intercepts. These earlier results included intercepts such as 11 metres at 2.1 grams per tonne gold and 12 metres at 1.1 grams per tonne gold, highlighting the prospect's potential. By drilling deeper, Yandal aims to confirm the continuity of mineralisation and better understand the structural controls hosting the gold.

Strategic Timing and Regional Context

The drilling is expected to be completed within 10 to 16 days, with assay results anticipated in five to seven weeks. These results will be critical in guiding the next exploration steps, including a second phase of air-core and RC drilling planned after heritage surveys clear the area. The heritage surveys themselves are scheduled to commence shortly, reflecting Yandal's commitment to responsible exploration practices.

Geographically, the Arrakis Prospect sits just 60 kilometres south of the established Jundee mining complex and 18 kilometres north of the recent Siona discovery, positioning it within a highly prospective corridor known for significant gold deposits. This proximity adds strategic value to Yandal's exploration efforts and could enhance the project's attractiveness to investors and partners.

Broader Exploration and Corporate Developments

Beyond Arrakis, Yandal Resources is actively progressing other exploration fronts. Results from the remaining 14 holes of the large-scale Caladan air-core program are expected soon, while initial air-core drilling results from the New England Granite target area are also anticipated. These multiple fronts underscore the company's aggressive exploration schedule for the second half of 2025.

On the corporate side, Yandal is nearing completion of a tenement sale agreement for the Gordons Gold Project, which will bring in A$2.81 million in cash and shares from Horizon Minerals (ASX, HRZ). This transaction is expected to bolster Yandal's financial position, supporting ongoing and future exploration activities.

Looking Ahead

As Yandal Resources awaits assay results from the Arrakis RC drilling and other programs, the market will be watching closely for signs of resource expansion and confirmation of mineralisation continuity. The company's methodical approach; combining drilling, heritage surveys, and strategic asset management; positions it well to unlock value in one of Western Australia's most promising gold belts.

Bottom Line?

Yandal’s upcoming assay results will be pivotal in defining the next exploration chapter and shaping investor sentiment.

Questions in the middle?

  • Will the RC drilling confirm the continuity and grade of gold mineralisation indicated by air-core results?
  • How might the Gordons Gold Project sale impact Yandal’s exploration funding and strategic focus?
  • What are the implications of the heritage surveys for the timing and scope of future drilling campaigns?