Avira Resources Secures Approvals for 4,500m Drilling at Mt Cattlin

Regulatory Green Light for Major Drilling Campaign

Avira Resources Ltd (ASX:AVW) has secured the critical Program of Work 206331 approval from the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE), clearing the way for a 4,500-metre reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at its Mt Cattlin Gold Project in Western Australia. This milestone follows the successful completion of environmental and heritage surveys, with no significant heritage finds reported by the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar Aboriginal Corporation (WKSNAC).

The approved drilling program spans the Sirdar, Maori Queen, Ellendale, and Plantagenet prospects, all of which have been identified as high-priority targets based on exceptional historical grades and geological models. Executive Director James Robinson emphasised that the regulatory foundations are now firmly in place, setting the stage for on-ground exploration activities to commence pending receipt of the formal Preliminary Advice Notice from WKSNAC.

Environmental and Heritage Surveys Clear the Path

Avira’s environmental consultant, Botanica Consultants Pty Ltd, completed a comprehensive flora and fauna survey across the program area, satisfying all conditions imposed by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA). Concurrently, the heritage survey conducted in collaboration with WKSNAC concluded in late April 2025 with verbal confirmation that no significant heritage sites were disturbed. The final formal heritage clearance documents are expected within statutory timeframes, which will trigger the start of drilling operations.

This collaborative approach with the Wagyl Kaip group not only ensures compliance but also lays the groundwork for responsible exploration practices. The positive outcome here contrasts with the cautionary heritage considerations that often delay or complicate mining projects in Australia’s goldfields.

High-Grade Gold Potential in a Proven District

The Mt Cattlin Gold Project is strategically located within the Ravensthorpe Greenstone Belt, adjacent to Rio Tinto’s Mt Cattlin Lithium Mine. Historical production from the Maori Queen and Sirdar deposits totals over 23,000 tonnes at a remarkable 24.56 g/t gold, underscoring the high-grade nature of the system. The geology features a multiphase porphyry complex controlling two styles of mineralisation: narrow, high-grade quartz-sulphide lodes and broader disseminated stockwork mineralisation.

Avira’s upcoming drilling will test shallow extensions to known mineralisation and explore new targets at Ellendale and Plantagenet. The program aims to underpin a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate scheduled for Q3-Q4 2026, a key value inflection point for the company. This drilling campaign builds on the company’s earlier confirmation of high-grade intersections, including assays exceeding 130 g/t gold over 1 metre, which have bolstered investor confidence in the project’s potential high-grade gold intersections.

Strategic Acquisition and Capital Foundations

Avira’s ability to advance quickly to this stage owes much to its acquisition of the Mt Cattlin Gold Project completed in early 2026, which secured 100% of the gold and non-pegmatite mineral rights. This followed a $2.5 million capital raise that underpinned exploration activities and facilitated regulatory compliance efforts. The acquisition and capital raise have positioned Avira to unlock value in a district already validated by significant lithium and gold mining operations nearby.

The company’s broader portfolio, including the Tangadee and Puolalaki projects, reflects a diversified exploration strategy targeting base and precious metals across Western Australia and Sweden, but Mt Cattlin remains the flagship asset driving near-term activity Mt Cattlin acquisition completion.