DevEx Resources has identified multiple new kilometre-scale uranium soil anomalies at its Murphy West Project in the Northern Territory, advancing towards a maiden drilling campaign in 2026. These findings align with known uranium mineralisation patterns, reinforcing the project's potential in the McArthur Basin.
- Multiple new multi-element soil anomalies detected at Murphy West
- Anomalies share geochemical signatures with Westmoreland uranium deposits
- Targets coincide with priority radiometric uranium anomalies and fault structures
- Drilling permit applications underway for 2026 maiden drill program
- Murphy West part of broader uranium strategy in highly prospective McArthur Basin
Emerging Uranium Targets in the Northern Territory
DevEx Resources Limited (ASX:DEV) has revealed promising new results from its ongoing soil geochemistry program at the Murphy West Uranium Project, situated along the southern margin of the McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory. The company has identified several kilometre-scale multi-element anomalies that mirror the pathfinder geochemical signatures associated with Laramide Resources’ Westmoreland uranium deposits in Queensland.
These anomalies are not isolated findings; they coincide with priority radiometric uranium anomalies and interpreted fault structures identified during DevEx’s 2024 airborne magnetic survey. This convergence of geochemical and geophysical data strengthens the case for potential uranium mineralisation beneath the surface.
Strategic Exploration and Targeting Approach
DevEx’s exploration strategy leverages pathfinder elements; those that often accompany uranium mineralisation but exclude uranium itself; to vector into prospective zones. This approach was refined through a collaborative orientation survey over the Junnagunna Uranium Deposit at Westmoreland, enabling the company to develop Pathfinder Indices that have successfully highlighted new target areas at Murphy West.
Key target areas such as Areas B, H, and I exhibit coincident pathfinder and radiometric anomalies aligned with fault structures, suggesting favourable geological settings analogous to known uranium deposits. These findings build upon earlier discoveries at Areas G and A, collectively forming a robust pipeline of drill-ready targets.
Advancing Towards Drilling and Development
With the identification of five priority targets, DevEx is actively preparing drilling permit applications ahead of the 2026 field season. The planned maiden drill program aims to test these anomalies through a multi-target shallow drilling campaign, marking a significant step forward in the company’s uranium exploration ambitions.
The Murphy West Project is a cornerstone of DevEx’s broader uranium strategy in the Northern Territory, which also includes the more advanced Nabarlek Project. The McArthur Basin, known for its geological similarities to Canada’s Athabasca Basin, already hosts over 700 million pounds of uranium endowment, underscoring the region’s potential for large-scale discoveries.
Context Within the Critical Minerals Landscape
The Northern Territory government’s recent inclusion of uranium on its New Critical Minerals list further validates DevEx’s strategic focus. As global demand for clean energy and nuclear fuel grows, securing uranium resources in politically stable jurisdictions like Australia becomes increasingly important.
DevEx’s Managing Director, Marnie Finlayson, highlighted the significance of these results, noting the company’s systematic exploration approach is yielding a growing pipeline of high-quality targets. The upcoming drill campaign will be pivotal in confirming the presence and extent of uranium mineralisation at Murphy West.
Bottom Line?
As DevEx prepares to drill, Murphy West’s new anomalies could redefine uranium prospects in Australia’s McArthur Basin.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming drill results validate the soil geochemistry anomalies?
- What is the timeline for regulatory approvals and commencement of drilling?
- How might uranium’s critical minerals status in the Northern Territory impact project development?