Yandal Resources has reported strong continuity of high-grade gold mineralisation at its Arrakis Prospect, with recent drilling results confirming a predictable mineralised system and plans to accelerate exploration in 2026.
- Significant gold intercepts from 10 of 17 recent RC drill holes
- High-grade mineralisation concentrated along eastern hanging-wall contact
- Diamond drilling confirms >2.2km mineralised strike length
- Shallow oxide mineralisation potential beneath transported cover
- Expanded drilling and exploration camp planned for March 2026
Strong Drilling Results Reinforce Arrakis Potential
Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX, YRL) has delivered a compelling update on its Arrakis Prospect within the Ironstone Well-Barwidgee Gold Project in Western Australia. Assay results from 10 of 17 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes completed late last year reveal consistent gold mineralisation with notable intercepts such as 24 metres at 1.3 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 18 metres at 1.6 g/t gold. These findings underscore the continuity and predictability of the mineralised system, particularly the higher-grade zones associated with the eastern hanging-wall contact.
Complementing the RC drilling, diamond drilling results further validate the extensive strike length of the mineralised trend, exceeding 2.2 kilometres. The diamond core data not only confirms the geological model but also provides valuable structural insights, highlighting significant strike-slip shearing and deformation controls on mineralisation.
Strategic Implications and Exploration Momentum
The presence of higher-grade mineralisation in consistent structural positions opens promising underground exploration avenues. Additionally, the discovery of shallow oxide mineralisation beneath a thin veneer of transported cover offers potential for near-surface resource development. Yandal’s Managing Director, Chris Oorschot, emphasised the strategic importance of these findings, noting the company’s intent to consolidate recent discoveries and build its mineral resource base throughout 2026.
To support this, Yandal plans to establish a new exploration camp in February, enabling a ramp-up of drilling activities scheduled to recommence in March. The upcoming program will focus on closer-spaced drilling at 100-metre intervals to better define and extend the thicker, higher-grade zones within the Arrakis system. Preliminary metallurgical test work is also planned to assess ore characteristics.
Broader Project Context and Future Outlook
The Arrakis Prospect sits within Yandal’s broader Ironstone Well-Barwidgee project, a 370 square kilometre tenure in the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt. Alongside Arrakis, the company is advancing other targets including the New England Granite and Flushing Meadows, the latter hosting an established resource of 268,000 ounces at 1.1 g/t gold. Yandal’s strong cash position and improved infrastructure position it well to accelerate exploration post-wet season.
While the current drilling results are encouraging, the company acknowledges that further assay results from remaining holes and ongoing drilling will be critical to confirming mineralisation continuity at scale and refining resource estimates. The structural complexity observed also suggests potential for additional high-grade zones yet to be delineated.
Bottom Line?
Yandal Resources’ latest drilling success at Arrakis sets a solid foundation for resource growth, but upcoming assay results and expanded drilling will be pivotal in unlocking its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the remaining assay results confirm the continuity and grade of mineralisation across Arrakis?
- How will metallurgical test work influence the economic viability of the shallow oxide zones?
- What is the potential scale and grade of deeper, higher-grade underground mineralisation along the eastern hanging-wall?