Western Yilgarn NL has announced a significant discovery of high-grade cobalt, scandium, nickel, copper, and lead mineralisation at its Ida Holmes Junction Project in Western Australia, reinforcing its strategic foothold in critical minerals.
- High-grade cobalt up to 2.47% and scandium up to 126.25 ppm Sc2O3 confirmed
- Polymetallic mineralisation extends at least 120 metres along strike
- Exploration licence E36/1028 targeted with rock chip sampling
- Proximity to Ballard Fault Zone suggests structural controls yet to be defined
- Further reconnaissance and systematic exploration planned
Discovery Highlights
Western Yilgarn NL (ASX, WYX) has revealed new high-grade mineralisation at its Ida Holmes Junction Project, located in the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. The recent rock chip sampling program over exploration licence E36/1028 returned impressive grades of cobalt up to 2.47%, nickel at 1.07%, lead at 1.3%, and scandium reaching 126.25 ppm Sc2O3. This polymetallic system extends for at least 120 metres along strike, indicating a coherent and potentially sizeable mineralised zone.
Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals
The discovery is particularly significant given the growing global demand for critical minerals such as cobalt and scandium, which are essential for emerging technologies including semiconductors and green energy solutions. Western Yilgarn’s Non-Executive Director, Pedro Kastellorizos, emphasised the milestone nature of these results, highlighting the project's potential to contribute meaningfully to critical mineral supply chains.
Geological Context and Exploration Outlook
The Ida Holmes Junction Project sits near major mining operations, including Gold Fields’ Agnew Gold Mine and BHP’s nickel projects, positioning Western Yilgarn advantageously within a prolific mineral belt. The mineralisation occurs within quartz–hematite outcrops east of the Ballard Fault Zone, a structural feature whose role in controlling mineralisation remains unclear. This uncertainty presents a compelling exploration vector that the company plans to investigate systematically in upcoming programs.
Sampling and Methodology
The recent sampling involved eight rock chip samples collected during December 2025, analysed using industry-standard fire assay and ICP-MS techniques. The assays confirmed the polymetallic nature of the mineralisation, with cobalt and scandium grades exceeding previous historical results. While no drilling has yet been undertaken, these surface results provide a strong foundation for targeted follow-up exploration.
Next Steps and Market Implications
Western Yilgarn plans further reconnaissance sampling in the latter half of 2026, aiming to expand the known mineralised footprint and clarify structural controls. The company’s strategic positioning in critical minerals, combined with the proximity to established mining infrastructure, could enhance its appeal to investors and partners focused on the green technology supply chain. However, the true economic potential and resource definition await more detailed drilling and metallurgical studies.
Bottom Line?
Western Yilgarn’s latest discovery at Ida Holmes sets the stage for a deeper exploration push into critical minerals vital for future technologies.
Questions in the middle?
- What is the potential size and grade continuity of the mineralised system beyond the current 120m strike?
- How will the Ballard Fault Zone influence mineralisation controls and future drilling targets?
- What are the metallurgical characteristics and recoverability of scandium and cobalt from the deposit?