Uncertain True Width Leaves Arrakis Gold Discovery’s Scale in Question
Yandal Resources has confirmed a significant new gold discovery at its Arrakis Prospect, with recent drilling revealing substantial mineralisation in fresh rock over a 2.2km strike. The results highlight the potential scale of this emerging gold system within the Caladan target area.
- 54m at 1.2 g/t gold from 108m in fresh rock
- Higher-grade zones up to 8m at 4.7 g/t gold within broader intercepts
- Mineralisation confirmed with sub-vertical geometry over 2.2km strike length
- Further drilling planned including diamond tails to extend known mineralisation
- Heritage surveys progressing to enable expanded drilling programs
Significant Fresh Rock Gold Mineralisation Confirmed
Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX, YRL) has announced compelling results from its recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Arrakis Prospect, part of the Caladan target area within the Ironstone Well-Barwidgee Gold Project in Western Australia. The company reported a standout intercept of 54 metres grading 1.2 grams per tonne (g/t) gold starting from 108 metres downhole, including a higher-grade 8-metre section at 4.7 g/t gold. These results represent the first confirmation of primary gold mineralisation hosted in fresh rock beneath previously reported air-core drilling anomalies.
A New Mineralised System with Scale Potential
The mineralisation at Arrakis is interpreted to have a sub-vertical geometry and extends over a strike length exceeding 2.2 kilometres, defined by broad spaced air-core drilling lines. The recent RC drilling, comprising seven holes totaling 1,374 metres, was designed to test continuity and geometry of mineralisation below weathered zones. The results from holes 25IWBRC0040 and 25IWBRC0041 confirm the presence of a significant mineralised system with broader and higher-grade zones than previously identified in surface drilling.
Strategic Next Steps in Exploration
Yandal Resources is advancing its exploration strategy with plans to extend the current RC holes using diamond drilling to better define the mineralisation at depth and along strike. A second heritage survey is scheduled to clear additional drill lines, enabling more intensive drilling campaigns. The company anticipates further assay results from five additional RC holes in the coming weeks, which will provide greater clarity on the extent and grade distribution of the system.
Context Within Yandal’s Portfolio
The Arrakis discovery adds to Yandal Resources’ growing portfolio of gold exploration projects in the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt, located near established mining operations such as the Jundee complex. The company’s Managing Director, Chris Oorschot, emphasised the importance of confirming primary fresh rock mineralisation to de-risk the project and highlighted the potential scale of the discovery given the strike length and mineralisation continuity observed so far.
Outlook and Market Implications
With a robust cash position and an active exploration schedule through 2025, Yandal Resources is well positioned to rapidly advance the Arrakis Prospect. The confirmation of a large-scale mineralised system in fresh rock could materially enhance the company’s resource base and attract further market interest. However, the true width and full extent of mineralisation remain to be confirmed through ongoing drilling and geological modelling.
Bottom Line?
Yandal’s Arrakis discovery marks a promising new chapter, but the real prize hinges on upcoming drilling results and resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the next round of RC and diamond drilling reveal about the true width and grade continuity?
- How will heritage survey outcomes impact the timing and scale of future drilling campaigns?
- Can Arrakis evolve into a significant resource contributing meaningfully to Yandal’s portfolio and valuation?