Nelson Resources has secured a Native Title and Mining Agreement with the Nyalpa Pirniku People, clearing a key hurdle for mining leases at the Yarri Gold Project near Kalgoorlie. MEGA Resources will fully fund up to A$10 million in initial development, accelerating the project towards a mining decision.
- Native Title Agreement signed with Nyalpa Pirniku People
- Agreement removes obstacles to mining lease grants
- MEGA Resources to fund up to A$10 million in development
- Annual production-based royalties and cultural protections included
- 11,544m RC drilling program approved and planned
Critical Milestone Clears Path for Yarri Gold Development
Nelson Resources (ASX:NES) has taken a decisive step forward at its Yarri Gold Project by signing a Native Title and Mining Agreement (NTA) with the Wangkatja Tjungula Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, representing the Nyalpa Pirniku People, the recognised native title holders of the land near Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. This agreement removes any outstanding objections to mining leases currently under application, effectively clearing a major regulatory and social barrier that has long challenged the project’s development readiness.
Shared Commitment to Cultural Respect and Economic Opportunity
The NTA formalises a collaborative framework that balances cultural heritage protection with economic development. It includes annual production-based royalty payments, employment and training commitments for the Nyalpa Pirniku People, and ongoing engagement to safeguard heritage and country. Nelson Chairman Gernot Abl emphasised that the agreement "demonstrates a shared commitment to responsible development," highlighting the importance of respectful engagement in advancing the project.
MEGA Resources to Fully Fund Initial Development
The Yarri Gold Project benefits from a Right to Mine agreement with MEGA Resources, an Australian subsidiary of Bain Global Resources. MEGA has committed to fully fund up to A$10 million in initial development and working capital, including managing all permitting and approvals. This financial backing is crucial, as it supports an approved 11,544-metre reverse circulation drilling program, with an initial 3,000-metre campaign already planned. This drilling program is expected to provide critical data to inform the next development phases.
Strategic Positioning Amid Broader Exploration Activities
This milestone at Yarri complements Nelson’s broader exploration efforts, including recent advances at its Gold Point Project in Nevada. Earlier in 2026, Nelson launched geophysical surveys and uncovered high-grade gold veins, setting the stage for maiden drilling in Q2 2026. The company’s dual focus on advancing Yarri’s development readiness while aggressively exploring Gold Point underscores a diversified growth strategy. The Yarri agreement and MEGA partnership provide a strong foundation for Nelson to move decisively towards a mining decision, while its exploration pipeline continues to build value in parallel.
Next Steps and Market Implications
With the Native Title Agreement signed and funding secured, attention will turn to the timely granting of mining leases and the outcomes of MEGA’s drilling program. These factors will be pivotal in shaping the project’s development timeline and potential production profile. While the announcement stops short of specifying exact milestones or timelines for a final investment decision, the removal of native title impediments and the injection of development capital mark a tangible shift from exploration to project advancement.
Bottom Line?
Nelson’s Yarri Gold Project has cleared a key regulatory and social hurdle, backed by MEGA’s funding, positioning it for critical upcoming drilling and lease approvals.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon will mining leases be formally granted following the Native Title Agreement?
- What results will MEGA’s initial 3,000m drilling campaign deliver to influence development decisions?
- How will ongoing engagement with the Nyalpa Pirniku People shape operational and employment outcomes?