Avira Resources has secured critical approvals and made substantial progress in its 4,500-metre RC drilling program at the Mt Cattlin Gold Project, advancing towards a maiden resource estimate targeted for Q4 2026.
- 4,500m RC drilling program underway at Mt Cattlin
- Environmental and heritage clearances secured
- 1,910m drilled with assay results pending
- Tangadee tenement rationalisation completed
- Puolalaki interest reduced to 49%
Drilling Momentum at Mt Cattlin Amid Weather Challenges
Avira Resources (ASX:AVW) has pushed forward with its maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Mt Cattlin Gold Project in Western Australia, having completed 1,910 metres of drilling across 18 holes out of a planned 37. The program, approved by the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, targets high-grade gold extensions at the Maori Queen and Plantagenet prospects, two of four key targets within the 4,500-metre drilling plan.
Despite a severe rain event causing a temporary suspension, the company’s disciplined approach to operations has led to a pause in drilling to avoid safety risks and elevated costs. Drilling is expected to resume in early spring (September 2026) once ground conditions improve, with the final holes at Maori Queen to be completed before advancing to the Sirdar and Ellendale prospects.
Approvals and Tenure Extensions Clear Path for Exploration
Avira secured all necessary environmental and heritage clearances during the quarter, including a flora and fauna survey and formal heritage approval from WKSNAC, enabling the commencement of on-ground exploration. Additionally, the company extended its exploration licence E74/401 at Mt Cattlin to March 2028, ensuring tenure security for the ongoing program.
The Mt Cattlin Project itself is strategically located adjacent to Rio Tinto’s Mt Cattlin Lithium Mine and includes historically productive high-grade gold deposits such as Maori Queen and Sirdar, which together have yielded over 23,000 tonnes at an impressive 24.56 g/t gold grade. Current drilling aims to convert these historical resources into a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate, targeted for release in Q4 2026.
Encouraging Drilling Observations at Maori Queen and Plantagenet
Thirteen holes (1,412m) at Maori Queen have tested down-dip extensions of the Main Lode below the historical mining floor, with RC chip samples supporting the projected mineralisation model. The high-grade shoot within this lode, previously returning intercepts such as 2m at 31.65 g/t Au, remains the primary focus. Two remaining holes will complete the Phase 1 drilling at this prospect.
At Plantagenet, five holes (497m) have been drilled ahead of winter rains, testing the down-dip and along-strike continuity of near-surface high-grade quartz-sulphide structures. Historical intercepts here include 4m at 18.52 g/t Au and 3m at 19.98 g/t Au, highlighting the prospect’s potential. Samples from this drilling have been submitted to SGS Laboratories, with assay results pending.
Tangadee Project Rationalisation and Puolalaki Interest Reduction
Beyond Mt Cattlin, Avira completed a comprehensive desktop review of geophysical data at its Tangadee Project in Western Australia’s Ashburton region. This led to the surrender of 75 lower-priority blocks from exploration licence E52/4411, focusing efforts on higher-potential ground while reducing holding costs. The company plans moving loop electromagnetic surveys and drill testing of high-value anomalies identified.
In Sweden, Avira’s interest in the Puolalaki Project has reduced to 49% following a strategic decision not to proceed with Stage 3 of the earn-in agreement. Discussions with its Swedish partner are ongoing to identify advancement opportunities, with the project hosting significant nickel and high-grade gold mineralisation in a prolific mining district.
Corporate and Financial Updates
Andrew van Bentum was appointed CEO effective 1 July 2026, bringing over 25 years of experience to lead Avira’s exploration strategy. The company also converted all Class A and B performance rights following key milestones such as drilling commencement and tenure extension at Mt Cattlin.
Exploration expenditure for the quarter totalled $266,000, with no substantive mining production activities reported. Avira closed the quarter with $1.452 million in cash, providing an estimated 3.9 quarters of funding at current expenditure levels.
Bottom Line?
Avira’s Mt Cattlin drilling is advancing steadily despite weather interruptions, with assay results and maiden resource estimates poised to shape the project’s next phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results influence drill targeting and resource modelling at Mt Cattlin?
- What impact will the Tangadee tenement rationalisation have on exploration priorities and capital allocation?
- How might Avira and its Swedish partner progress Puolalaki given the reduced stake and shifting focus?