Empire Resources Uncovers High-Grade Copper-Gold at Yuinmery, Eyes Pennys Gold Upside

Exploration Highlights at Yuinmery

Empire Resources Limited (ASX, ERL) has delivered a robust update on its December 2025 quarter activities, spotlighting encouraging exploration results from its flagship Yuinmery Copper-Gold Project in Western Australia. The recent air core drilling program at the Just Desserts and YT01 prospects has uncovered shallow, high-grade copper-gold mineralisation, reinforcing the project's potential to host economically viable deposits.

At Just Desserts, twelve air core holes totaling 636 metres revealed significant supergene copper mineralisation, including intercepts such as 8 metres at 2.13% copper and 0.66 grams per tonne gold, and a standout 36 metres at 1.16% copper and 0.42 grams per tonne gold. These results suggest a substantial zone of oxide and supergene ore near surface, which could be amenable to cost-effective extraction methods.

Meanwhile, the YT01 prospect, known for its potential as a high-tonnage, low-grade copper resource, saw extensions of mineralisation confirmed with drill holes extending copper-gold zones by over 120 metres westward. This complements the high-grade zones at Just Desserts and A-Zone, potentially offering a balanced resource profile for future development.

Emerging Gold Prospects and Metallurgical Work

Adding to the copper focus, Empire identified a new gold prospect at Hillside, where drilling confirmed significant gold assays up to 0.50 grams per tonne over multiple intervals. The alteration styles observed are consistent with those found in the prolific Murchison goldfields, underscoring the regional gold potential within the Yuinmery tenure.

Complementing exploration, sighter metallurgical testing on oxide ore from Just Desserts commenced during the quarter. This work aims to establish processing characteristics critical for future development decisions, particularly given the promising grades and shallow depths encountered.

Pennys Gold Project and Royalty Interests

Empire also completed a reverse circulation drilling program at its Pennys Gold Project near Kalgoorlie, with eight holes totaling 904 metres. While assay results remain pending, this program targets established prospects and could add further value to the company’s portfolio. Notably, Empire retains royalty interests on the Penny’s Find Gold Mine, now owned by Horizon Minerals Ltd, which recently reported a JORC-compliant resource and a positive prefeasibility study, highlighting the strategic importance of this income stream.

Financial Position and Future Outlook

Financially, Empire reported cash on hand of approximately $136,000 at quarter’s end, with $287,000 spent on exploration and evaluation activities. To bridge funding needs, director Dr Michael Ruane has provided unsecured loans totaling $1.05 million at an interest rate of 7.5% per annum. The company signals plans to raise additional capital through placements or entitlement offers to support and accelerate its exploration and development programs.

Empire’s focus remains firmly on advancing its Yuinmery project, with further drilling and evaluation anticipated to unlock additional value. The combination of high-grade copper-gold mineralisation, emerging gold prospects, and strategic royalty holdings positions the company to potentially enhance shareholder returns as exploration progresses.