Bellavista Faces Key Tests as Bioleaching and Drilling Plans Advance in 2026

Leadership Refresh Signals Strategic Shift

Bellavista Resources Ltd (ASX – BVR) has welcomed Glenn Jardine and Peter Canterbury as its new Managing Director and Finance Director, respectively. Both bring extensive experience from their recent roles at De Grey Mining, a company that achieved a $6 billion takeover by Northern Star Resources. Their appointments mark a clear intent by Bellavista to leverage proven leadership in advancing its exploration and development ambitions in Western Australia's Edmund Basin.

High-Resolution LiDAR Survey Enhances Exploration Precision

During the December quarter, Bellavista completed a state-of-the-art airborne LiDAR survey over its entire Edmund Basin tenure, including the Brumby project area. The survey, conducted by Aerometrex, delivered highly accurate digital elevation models with horizontal accuracy of 0.2 metres and vertical accuracy of 0.1 metres. This granular topographic data will be instrumental in refining geological models, planning drill pads and access tracks, and identifying zones where the hyper-enriched black shale (HEBS) horizon may interact with standing water, key for the company’s bioleaching research.

Heritage Survey Clears Way for Drilling Programs

Bellavista also completed an Aboriginal heritage Work Area Clearance survey across the Brumby Mining Lease, led by the Nharnuwangga, Wajarri, and Ngarlawangga Traditional Owners. The survey identified some artifact scatters but no registered sites that would impede exploration. This clearance enables the company to proceed with planned bulk sample drilling, which will support upcoming bioleaching column tests and resource definition activities scheduled for the 2026 field season.

Bioleaching – A Potential Game-Changer

The company’s exploration strategy includes assessing naturally occurring bacteria that may leach metals from the HEBS units where they contact water. These bacteria will be studied for laboratory propagation, potentially offering an innovative and environmentally friendly processing method. Bellavista plans to collect bulk samples from targeted shallow drilling to advance these bioleaching studies, including testing scalability across multiple project horizons such as the uraniferous sediments at Kiangi.

Financial Position and Outlook

As at 31 December 2025, Bellavista held $2.3 million in cash, reflecting a cautious but steady expenditure on exploration and corporate activities. The company reported payments of $228,000 to related parties, including executive salaries and director fees. No new tenements were acquired or disposed of during the quarter, indicating a focus on advancing existing assets. With the new leadership team in place and critical groundwork completed, Bellavista is positioned to accelerate its exploration and development programs in 2026.