Western Yilgarn Uncovers High-Grade Gallium-Tellurium and Confirms Cobalt-Nickel Continuity at Ida Holmes

Maiden Gallium-Tellurium Discovery at Ida Holmes Junction

Western Yilgarn NL (ASX:WYX) has unveiled a significant maiden discovery of high-grade gallium and tellurium mineralisation within its Ida Holmes Junction Project, located about 50 km southwest of the Agnew Gold Mine in Western Australia’s Mt Ida–Agnew greenstone belt. Rock chip sampling across exploration licence E36/1046 returned standout gallium grades reaching 185.5 ppm Ga (249.35 ppm Ga2O3) and tellurium concentrations up to 1.29 ppm Te. These results, tightly clustered along a 1.5 km strike length, suggest a structurally controlled hydrothermal system linked to the nearby Waroonga Shear Zone, which likely acted as a conduit for mineralising fluids.

The persistence of these elevated grades across multiple samples indicates repeated reactivation of the shear zone, progressively enriching the mineralised system through successive hydrothermal events. This discovery adds a new dimension to Western Yilgarn’s polymetallic portfolio, positioning the company within a critical minerals space that is gaining strategic importance globally.

Continuity of Cobalt-Nickel-Copper-Lead-Scandium Mineralisation

Complementing the gallium-tellurium find, rock chip sampling at exploration licence E36/1028 confirmed the continuity of high-grade cobalt-nickel-copper-lead and scandium mineralisation. Assays returned up to 2.47% cobalt, 1.07% nickel, 1.3% lead, and 126.25 ppm Sc2O3, extending a polymetallic zone approximately 120 metres along strike east of the Ballard Fault Zone. While the structural relationship between the fault zone and mineralisation remains unconfirmed, ongoing systematic evaluation is planned to clarify controls on mineral distribution.

This latest confirmation builds on Western Yilgarn’s earlier announcements of high-grade cobalt and scandium at Ida Holmes, underscoring the project's potential as a polymetallic hub. The company’s focus on critical minerals aligns with broader sector trends where demand for battery metals and technology elements continues to rise. The recent discovery of gallium-tellurium mineralisation complements the cobalt-nickel system, enhancing the project's strategic value within Western Australia’s mineral landscape.

Bauxite Resource Base and Exploration Activity

Western Yilgarn also updated its bauxite portfolio, reporting a total JORC (2012) inferred mineral resource of 244 million tonnes across its Julimar West, Cardea 2, Cardea 3, and New Norcia projects. The average alumina grades range from 22.7% to 36.1%, with varying silica content. These resources represent a substantial asset base within the company’s diversified project suite.

Exploration expenditure for the quarter was modest at $94,362, focused on fieldwork in Western Australia, with no mining production or development activities recorded. The company’s cash position at quarter end stood at $366,000, providing an estimated 1.52 quarters of funding based on current expenditure rates. Payments to related parties totalled $49,300, primarily for director fees and office rent.

Western Yilgarn’s ongoing exploration efforts, including the recent high-grade cobalt and scandium discovery, demonstrate a clear strategic focus on expanding its critical minerals footprint. The company continues to hold a diverse portfolio of granted and applied tenements across Western Australia, positioning it well for future resource delineation and potential development.