WA1 Resources reports exceptional assay results from the Luni Niobium Project alongside significant pre-development progress and government recognition as a Major Project.
- High-grade niobium intersections exceeding expectations in infill and extensional drilling
- Major Project Status awarded by Australian Federal Government
- Pre-development works including airstrip construction and hydrogeological studies underway
- Cash balance of approximately $138 million at quarter-end
- No on-ground exploration at other projects; ongoing stakeholder engagement and tenement rationalisation
Strong Drilling Results Bolster Luni Niobium Project
WA1 Resources Ltd has delivered a robust update on its flagship Luni Niobium Project, located in Western Australia’s West Arunta region. The latest quarterly activities report highlights assay results from infill and extensional drilling that continue to surpass expectations, revealing some of the highest-grade niobium intersections recorded to date. Notably, drillhole LUDD-0167 returned an impressive 67.3 metres at 5.4% Nb2O5, including a 30-metre interval grading 9.8% Nb2O5, underscoring the project's potential to host significant high-grade mineralisation.
These results not only reinforce the continuity and thickness of the mineralised zones but also extend the known boundaries of the deposit beyond the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) envelope. The company completed approximately 35,000 metres of drilling in 2025, focusing on refining resource confidence and informing an updated MRE expected in 2026.
Advancing Pre-Development and Infrastructure
Beyond drilling, WA1 Resources is progressing critical pre-development activities. Construction of a temporary airstrip is underway, a strategic infrastructure addition designed to improve operational efficiency and safety by providing direct access to the remote site. Concurrently, the company has completed bore installation and pump testing to support hydrogeological modelling, a vital step in understanding water resources and environmental management for the project.
Additional multidisciplinary studies continue, including geotechnical, metallurgical, environmental, and cultural heritage assessments. WA1 maintains strong engagement with Traditional Owner groups and local communities, reflecting a commitment to responsible development and regional partnership.
Government Recognition and Corporate Position
In a significant endorsement, the Australian Federal Government awarded the Luni Niobium Project Major Project Status (MPS) in November 2025. This designation affirms the project's national importance, highlighting its role in bolstering Australia’s critical minerals supply chain and regional economic growth. MPS status also facilitates streamlined government support and coordination through the Major Projects Facilitation Agency.
Financially, WA1 Resources remains well-capitalised with a cash balance of approximately $138 million as of 31 December 2025. The company incurred $13.4 million in exploration and evaluation expenses during the quarter, alongside nearly $2 million in development-related expenditures, reflecting sustained investment in advancing the project.
Broader Exploration and Outlook
While the Luni Project commands the company’s primary focus, WA1 also holds extensive exploration licences across the West Arunta and Madura regions. No on-ground exploration occurred at these other projects during the quarter, with efforts concentrated on desktop reviews, stakeholder engagement, and tenement rationalisation to optimise the exploration portfolio.
Looking ahead, the market will be keenly awaiting the updated Mineral Resource Estimate for Luni, which will incorporate the latest high-grade drilling results and potentially reshape the project's valuation and development timeline. The company’s ability to navigate permitting and approvals, alongside continued infrastructure development, will be critical to translating these promising exploration outcomes into operational success.
Bottom Line?
WA1’s Luni Project is gaining momentum with high-grade results and government backing, setting the stage for a pivotal 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the updated Mineral Resource Estimate impact project valuation and development plans?
- What are the timelines and challenges anticipated for securing final permits and approvals?
- Could deeper, unweathered zones of mineralisation significantly expand the resource base?