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Yanrey Uranium Project’s 32% Resource Jump Raises Questions on Future Development Risks

Mining By Maxwell Dee 4 min read

Cauldron Energy has reported a significant 32% increase in uranium resources at its Yanrey Uranium Project, highlighted by a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Manyingee North and an upgraded resource at Manyingee South.

  • Maiden JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate of 9.8Mlbs uranium at Manyingee North
  • Upgraded Manyingee South resource to 14.9Mlbs uranium, a 32% total resource increase in 2025
  • Yanrey Project now hosts 55.6Mlbs uranium oxide across Bennet Well, Manyingee South, and Manyingee North
  • Extensive geophysical surveys reveal complex palaeochannel systems with multiple high-priority targets
  • 2026 drilling program to focus on resource expansion and new prospects including Cosgrove

A Major Step Forward for Yanrey Uranium

Cauldron Energy Limited has announced a substantial uplift in its uranium resources at the Yanrey Uranium Project in Western Australia, underscoring the prolific nature of this emerging uranium province. The company’s maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Manyingee North deposit stands at 9.8 million pounds of uranium oxide, complemented by an upgraded estimate for Manyingee South of 14.9 million pounds. Together, these results represent a 32% increase in total uranium resources for 2025, bringing the Yanrey Project’s total to 55.6 million pounds across its key deposits.

Exploration Success Driven by Integrated Geophysics and Drilling

The new resource estimates are supported by extensive drilling campaigns and advanced geophysical techniques. Manyingee South’s upgraded resource is based on 124 aircore holes drilled over 10,225 metres during 2024 and 2025, while Manyingee North’s maiden resource derives from 24 aircore holes drilled in late 2025. The use of airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys combined with passive seismic surveying has been instrumental in delineating a complex network of palaeochannels, which host the uranium mineralisation. These palaeochannels remain open in multiple directions, indicating significant potential for further resource growth.

Yanrey – A Globally Significant Uranium Province

The Yanrey Uranium Province now ranks among the world’s larger uranium precincts, with an estimated ~100 million pounds of uranium oxide when considering Cauldron’s deposits alongside those of nearby operators such as Paladin Energy and Energy Metals. The mineralisation is hosted primarily in sandstone and carbonaceous sediments within Early Cretaceous palaeochannels, with roll-front style uranium deposits confirmed at Manyingee South and North. The deposits are relatively shallow, occurring between 45 and 140 metres below surface, which bodes well for potential in situ recovery (ISR) mining methods.

Cost-Effective Discovery and Future Plans

Cauldron’s CEO, Jonathan Fisher, highlighted the efficiency of the 2025 drill program, noting a discovery cost of just 8 cents per pound of uranium found. With uranium spot prices hovering around US$90 per pound, the economics of the discoveries are promising. Looking ahead, Cauldron plans to intensify its 2026 drilling campaign, focusing on expanding Manyingee North and South resources and testing new targets such as the Cosgrove prospect, where early-stage drilling has already confirmed uranium mineralisation. The company also intends to undertake diamond core drilling to support metallurgical testing and refine resource confidence.

Technical Rigor and Resource Classification

The MREs were prepared in accordance with JORC 2012 guidelines and classified entirely as Inferred Resources, reflecting the early stage of exploration. The estimates are based on downhole gamma logging data, calibrated and corrected for various factors including disequilibrium. Geological modelling was conducted using industry-standard software, with careful validation of drillhole data and geophysical interpretations. Bulk density assumptions were derived from analogous deposits within the project area.

Unlocking Yanrey’s Potential

The discovery of multiple uranium deposits within a relatively underexplored region, combined with the complex palaeochannel architecture revealed by geophysical surveys, positions Yanrey as a compelling uranium exploration and development opportunity. Cauldron’s methodical approach, integrating historical data, modern geophysics, and targeted drilling, has rapidly expanded the resource base and set the stage for further growth. As the company advances towards more detailed studies and resource upgrades, the Yanrey Project could become a cornerstone asset in Australia’s uranium sector.

Bottom Line?

With a 32% resource increase and multiple open targets, Cauldron’s Yanrey Project is poised for a pivotal 2026 exploration year.

Questions in the middle?

  • How will upcoming diamond core drilling influence resource confidence and metallurgical understanding?
  • What are the timelines and hurdles for advancing Yanrey towards feasibility and potential production?
  • How might uranium market dynamics impact Cauldron’s development strategy and project economics?