Venus Metals has unveiled promising auger soil sampling results at its Henderson Gold Project and significant base metals anomalies at Youanmi, alongside initiating a titanium extraction research program with Murdoch University.
- Henderson auger sampling reveals extended gold anomalies
- Youanmi project identifies cobalt, copper, nickel targets
- Titanium extraction R&D commenced with Murdoch University
- Copper Hills tenement sold with royalty retained
- Drone magnetic surveys and drilling planned
Extended Gold Anomalies at Henderson
Venus Metals Corporation (ASX:VMC) has reported encouraging results from recent auger soil sampling at its Henderson Gold Project in Western Australia’s eastern goldfields. Covering a 25-kilometre strike along the Mt Ida/Ularring Greenstone Belt, the program collected 466 samples targeting known gold anomalies and underexplored areas beneath extensive cover. The standout Snake Hill prospect, historically marked by a 500ppb gold lag anomaly and rock chips up to 5.1g/t, returned up to 88ppb gold in infill soil sampling, delineating a 1.6km by 450m anomalous zone that extends previous exploration footprints.
The project’s strategic location near significant fault zones, the Ida and Ballard faults, adds geological weight to these findings, with the anomalies aligning closely with these structures known for controlling gold deposition. Wider spaced sampling south of Blue Well and subtle anomalies along the Ballard Fault near 18 Mile Well further validate the prospectivity of the region. Venus plans high-resolution drone magnetic surveys to refine targets ahead of drilling.
Youanmi Base Metals Project Highlights Cobalt and Copper
At the Youanmi Base Metals Project, about 15 kilometres southwest of the Youanmi Gold Project, Venus Metals completed extensive geochemical sampling comprising 379 auger soils, 740 surface soils, and 13 rock chips. The work uncovered a significant northeast-trending cobalt-copper-nickel anomaly spanning approximately 1.2 kilometres by 350 metres within tenement E57/1257. Copper assays reached up to 722ppm along a 14-kilometre strike coinciding with regional geophysical anomalies linked to the Youanmi Igneous Complex.
These results highlight key targets for follow-up exploration, with further geochemical surveys and drilling planned to identify mineralisation sources. The Youanmi project’s proximity to infrastructure such as gas pipelines, roads, and Geraldton port facilities enhances its development appeal.
Innovative Titanium Extraction Research Underway
Venus Metals has also embarked on a research and development collaboration with Murdoch University’s Extractive Metallurgy Hub to explore cost-effective methods for extracting titanium from its Youanmi vanadiferous titano-magnetite deposit. Led by Professor Aleks Nikoloski, the program aims to evaluate leaching processes, including acidic chloride systems and reagent recycling, to determine economic feasibility and optimise critical mineral recovery, potentially including vanadium and iron. This initiative could unlock new value streams from the company’s substantial 135 million tonne resource.
Tenement Sale Streamlines Portfolio
In a strategic move to rationalise its holdings, Venus sold the Copper Hills tenement (E45/6437) via its subsidiary Redscope Enterprises for $75,000 plus GST and a 1% net smelter royalty. This transaction, completed in April 2026, reduces annual expenditure obligations while preserving upside through the royalty interest.
Venus Metals’ latest exploration update underscores its multi-commodity approach across gold, base metals, and critical minerals, combining grassroots exploration with innovative processing research. The upcoming drone magnetic surveys and drilling programs will be pivotal in validating these early-stage targets and advancing project economics.
Bottom Line?
Venus Metals is positioning itself to leverage both exploration upside and metallurgical innovation, with drilling and R&D outcomes set to define its near-term trajectory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will drilling at Henderson confirm the extent and grade of the newly delineated gold anomalies?
- Can the titanium extraction R&D unlock a commercially viable processing route to add value to the Youanmi deposit?
- How will the cobalt and copper anomalies at Youanmi influence the company’s base metals development strategy?