Catalina Resources’ Phase 1 drilling at the Viper Prospects within the Central Yilgarn Project has intersected consistent gold mineralisation, reinforcing the company’s exploration model and the prospectivity of the Evanston Project.
- Phase 1 RC drilling completed at Viper Prospects with multiple gold intersections
- Significant assays include 1m @ 2.45 g/t Au and 2m @ 1.16 g/t Au
- Gold mineralisation linked to mafic and banded iron formation lithology
- Results support a structurally controlled gold system model dipping northwest
- Broader ~10,000m Phase 1 drilling campaign ongoing with further assays pending
Phase 1 Drilling Delivers Encouraging Gold Intersections
Catalina Resources Limited has reported promising results from its initial reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Viper Prospects, part of the Central Yilgarn Project in Western Australia. The Phase 1 program, which forms a key component of a broader ~10,000-metre drilling effort, has intersected gold mineralisation associated with mafic and banded iron formation (BIF) lithologies, confirming continuity along strike and at depth.
Geological Model Supported by Assay Results
The drilling results include significant gold intercepts such as 1 metre at 2.45 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 77 metres and 2 metres at 1.16 g/t gold from 28 metres. These findings align with Catalina’s geological interpretation that the gold mineralisation is structurally controlled and dips moderately to the northwest within a mafic and BIF sequence. This model is consistent with mineralisation styles observed elsewhere in the Evanston Project area, including the nearby Evanston Mine.
Strategic Implications for the Evanston and Central Yilgarn Projects
Executive Director Ross Cotton emphasised that the Viper drilling results represent a positive step in advancing the Evanston Project, highlighting the broader potential of the system under exploration. The continuity of mineralisation confirmed by the drilling supports the prospectivity of the Central Yilgarn tenure, which Catalina acquired recently and is actively exploring. The company is integrating these results into ongoing targeting strategies as the Phase 1 campaign progresses.
Ongoing Exploration and Future Targets
While the Viper drilling results are encouraging, assay results from other targets within the Phase 1 program remain pending. The company is continuing its combined RC and aircore drilling across multiple prospects within the Evanston and Yerilgee Projects. Geological logging and rock chip sampling have further informed the understanding of the mineralisation style and structural controls, guiding future drill designs.
Technical Rigor and Compliance
The exploration work adheres to industry best practices, with sampling and assaying conducted under strict quality control protocols. Independent geological consultants supervised the drilling and sample collection, and assays were processed at ALS Laboratories using photon assay techniques known for accuracy and efficiency. The reporting complies with the 2012 JORC Code, ensuring transparency and reliability of the results.
Bottom Line?
Catalina’s Viper drilling results bolster confidence in the Central Yilgarn gold system, setting the stage for further exploration and potential resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the pending assay results from other Phase 1 targets reveal about the broader project potential?
- How will Catalina refine its geological model and targeting strategy based on these new data?
- When might the company consider advancing towards a formal resource estimate for the Viper Prospects?