Yandal West Gold Project Advances as Albion Resources Secures Critical Heritage Clearance
Albion Resources (ASX: ALB) has achieved a significant milestone at its Yandal West Gold Project, obtaining heritage clearance for priority targets at the Ives Find Prospect and engaging a drilling contractor for its maiden drilling campaign scheduled to commence mid-June.
Heritage Clearance Paves Way for Maiden Drilling Campaign
Albion Resources has successfully completed heritage fieldwork across key target areas at the Ives Find prospect within its Yandal West Gold Project, located in Western Australia's Yandal Greenstone Belt. The company worked collaboratively with the Kultju People, the Traditional Owners of the land, to ensure all cultural heritage obligations were met.
During the survey, several minor heritage areas were identified; however, these are not expected to impact the upcoming drilling activities, effectively clearing the path for Albion's first drilling program at the project.
"We acknowledge and thank the Kultju People for their cooperation during the recent fieldwork. Securing heritage clearance at Ives Find represents a critical milestone for our maiden drill campaign. We are now well-positioned to unlock the potential of this underexplored part of the Yandal Greenstone Belt." – Peter Goh, CEO
Drilling Program Details and Timeline
With heritage clearance secured, Albion Resources has progressed its exploration plans efficiently:
- A Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling contractor has been engaged
- 3,000-4,000 metres of RC drilling scheduled to commence mid-June
- Site preparation, including track and pad clearing, to begin shortly
- An additional 3,000-4,000 metres of Aircore (AC) drilling being planned to test broader regolith anomalies and structural targets
The company is also preparing for a second heritage survey covering untested targets along the Barwidgee Fault, scheduled for 8 June 2025, with final reports expected by month-end.
Understanding the Yandal Greenstone Belt: Why Location Matters
The Yandal Greenstone Belt represents one of Western Australia's premier gold provinces, hosting several major gold deposits including the 10+ million ounce Jundee operation (Northern Star Resources) and the multi-million ounce Bronzewing and Darlot gold mines.
What Are Greenstone Belts?
Greenstone belts are geological formations composed of ancient volcanic and sedimentary rocks that have undergone various degrees of metamorphism over billions of years. These geological features are highly prospective for gold deposits due to their structural complexity and favourable host rocks.
These belts are particularly attractive to gold explorers due to their demonstrated capacity to host multiple major gold systems along their length. The Yandal Belt specifically has produced over 20 million ounces of gold historically, yet substantial sections remain underexplored, including portions of Albion's Yandal West Gold Project area.
Key Characteristics of Greenstone Belts:
| Feature | Significance for Gold Exploration |
|---|---|
| Structural complexity | Provides pathways for mineralising fluids |
| Metamorphic history | Creates pressure and temperature conditions conducive to gold deposition |
| Mafic/ultramafic rocks | Favourable chemical environment for gold precipitation |
| Age (typically Archaean) | Formed during periods of intense crustal activity |
| Regional fault systems | Major conduits for hydrothermal fluids |
Albion's Strategic Position in the Yandal Belt
Albion Resources has secured a position in an underexplored section of the Yandal Greenstone Belt, where systematic modern exploration has been limited. The Ives Find Prospect represents the company's initial focus, with historical workings and geological indicators suggesting potential for gold mineralisation.
The company's exploration strategy includes:
- Systematic RC drilling of priority targets at Ives Find
- Broader testing of regional anomalies through Aircore drilling
- Sequential exploration of additional targets along the Barwidgee Fault pending heritage clearance
This methodical approach allows Albion to efficiently evaluate the project's potential while managing exploration costs effectively.
The Importance of Heritage Surveys in Australian Exploration
Heritage surveys represent a critical step in the mineral exploration process in Australia. These surveys are conducted to identify and protect sites of cultural significance to Aboriginal communities before any ground-disturbing activities commence.
The process typically involves:
- Engagement with Traditional Owner groups
- Field inspections by cultural heritage specialists and Traditional Owner representatives
- Documentation of any sites of significance
- Development of management protocols for identified sites
- Formal clearance for areas approved for exploration
For Albion Resources, completing this process successfully at Ives Find demonstrates the company's commitment to responsible exploration practices and establishes a foundation for positive ongoing relationships with the Kultju People.
Why Investors Should Follow Albion Resources
Albion Resources presents an opportunity for investors interested in early-stage gold exploration in a tier-one mining jurisdiction. Several factors make this company worth monitoring:
- Prime Location: Operating in the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt, home to numerous multi-million ounce gold deposits
- Systematic Approach: Well-defined exploration program with clear milestones
- Active Period Ahead: Multiple drilling campaigns planned for 2025, providing regular news flow
- Responsible Exploration: Demonstrated commitment to working constructively with Traditional Owners
- Experienced Management: Led by CEO Peter Goh, who has positioned the company to advance exploration rapidly
With drilling set to commence in mid-June, investors can expect a steady stream of updates throughout the second half of 2025 as Albion tests the potential of this underexplored section of a proven gold belt.
Exploration Techniques: RC and Aircore Drilling Explained
Albion's exploration program will utilise two primary drilling techniques:
Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling
RC drilling is a percussion drilling method that uses compressed air to drive a rotating hammer bit and bring samples to the surface through an inner tube. This technique:
- Provides high-quality samples from depths typically ranging from 0-300 metres
- Delivers chips rather than core, allowing for faster drilling and lower costs compared to diamond drilling
- Enables geologists to efficiently test targets while maintaining reasonable sample quality
- Is ideal for initial testing of mineralised zones identified through surface work
Aircore (AC) Drilling
Aircore drilling is a cost-effective technique used primarily for:
- Shallow reconnaissance drilling (typically 0-100 metres)
- Testing geochemical anomalies across broader areas
- Defining the boundaries of regolith (weathered rock) gold anomalies
- Identifying structural features beneath cover
By employing both techniques strategically, Albion can efficiently test priority targets at Ives Find while simultaneously expanding its understanding of the broader project area.
What's Next for Albion Resources
The next few months represent a critical period for Albion as it conducts its maiden drilling campaign, potentially establishing the foundation for a significant gold discovery in one of Australia's premier gold provinces.
Key upcoming milestones include:
- Commencement of RC drilling at Ives Find in mid-June
- Results from the initial drilling program expected in July-August
- Completion of the second heritage survey along the Barwidgee Fault
- Potential expansion of drilling based on initial results
- Aircore drilling program to test broader project area
For investors interested in early-stage gold exploration in Western Australia, Albion Resources offers exposure to a systematic exploration program in one of the country's most productive gold belts, with multiple catalysts expected throughout the remainder of 2025.
Ready to Discover This Promising Gold Explorer's Full Potential?
Uncover the investment opportunity in Albion Resources as they advance their strategic position in Western Australia's prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt. With heritage clearance secured and drilling about to commence, now is the ideal time to learn more about this emerging gold explorer. For comprehensive information about Albion's projects, exploration timeline and investment potential, visit their website today.
