Yandal Strikes Gold: Arrakis Discovery Extends 400m with High-Grade Results
Yandal Resources (ASX:YRL) has announced significant new drilling results from its Arrakis gold discovery in Western Australia's Yandal Greenstone Belt, with fresh rock mineralisation now confirmed over 400 metres of strike length.
Fresh Rock Gold Confirmed with High-Grade Zones
The latest reverse circulation (RC) drilling results have substantially expanded the potential scale of the Arrakis discovery, with two new holes returning impressive intercepts:
- 50m @ 1.3g/t Au from 122m in hole 25IWBRC0042, including 28m @ 1.9g/t Au from 143m
- 16m @ 0.7g/t Au from 140m in hole 25IWBRC0043, including 9m @ 1.0g/t Au from 140m
These new intercepts are located approximately 400 meters northwest of previously reported results that included 54m @ 1.2g/t Au with a high-grade zone of 24m @ 2.1g/t Au.
"It is both encouraging and significant to observe a similar style of mineralisation in terms of grade, alteration and deformation fabrics at a 400m spacing. The initial 400m and 800m line spacing used for air-core drilling was applied to define a target. We are now seeing evidence of a potentially continuous mineralised system over this same spacing."
– Chris Oorschot, Managing Director, Yandal Resources
Geological Characteristics Point to Significant System
The geological indicators from the drilling program provide compelling evidence of a substantial gold system at Arrakis:
- Primary mineralisation confirmed within fresh rock
- Consistent higher-grade zones within broader low-grade envelopes
- Similar mineralisation style across 400m spacing
- Sub-vertical mineralisation geometry
- Potential for continuous primary mineralisation across the 2.2km trend
The mineralisation shows characteristic alteration including silica-carbonate with sericite, chlorite, albite and biotite, along with quartz veining and fine disseminated pyrite and arsenopyrite – typical signatures of significant gold systems in the region.
| Hole ID | From (m) | To (m) | Interval (m) | Grade (g/t Au) | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25IWBRC0042 | 122 | 172 | 50 | 1.3 | Including 28m @ 1.9g/t |
| 25IWBRC0043 | 140 | 156 | 16 | 0.7 | Including 9m @ 1.0g/t |
| 25IWBRC0040 | 108 | 162 (EOH) | 54 | 1.2 | Including 24m @ 2.1g/t |
Understanding Orogenic Gold Deposits
The Arrakis discovery represents a classic Archaean Orogenic Gold deposit – the primary gold deposit type found throughout Western Australia's goldfields. These deposits typically form through hydrothermal processes during mountain-building events in ancient geological terranes.
Orogenic gold deposits share several key characteristics:
- They form along major structural corridors within greenstone belts, often associated with regional-scale faults
- Feature sub-vertical mineralised zones that can extend to significant depths, sometimes over a kilometre vertically
- Contain higher-grade shoots within broader mineralised envelopes
- Show characteristic alteration patterns including silica, carbonate and sulphides
The consistency of mineralisation style across 400m spacing is particularly significant for Yandal, as it suggests a robust mineralising system with substantial strike potential. In the Yandal Greenstone Belt, these systems have proven capable of hosting multi-million ounce gold deposits.
Orogenic gold deposits are known for their predictable geometry and continuity once properly identified, making them amenable to systematic exploration and eventual resource definition. The presence of consistent mineralisation styles and grades over significant distances is often a hallmark of economically viable orogenic gold systems.
Aggressive Exploration Program Underway
Yandal is moving quickly to define the full extent of the discovery with an ambitious exploration plan:
- Diamond Drilling Program: 1,200m of diamond drilling scheduled for October to test mineralisation at depth
- RC Drilling: Additional drilling planned on 200m spaced lines across the 2.2km trend
- Heritage Surveys: Recently completed survey clearing 200m spaced lines, with another scheduled for October to clear 100m spaced lines
- Results Pending: Assays from three additional RC holes expected in the coming weeks
The company is fully funded for this work with a strong cash position, supplemented by the expected completion of the Gordons Gold Project Tenement Sale Agreement for total consideration of A$2.81 million.
"As we step out and consider the whole 2.2km trend initially defined by air-core drilling, the scale of this discovery begins to look regionally significant."
– Chris Oorschot, Managing Director, Yandal Resources
Strategic Location in Premium Gold District
The Arrakis discovery is strategically positioned within the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt, just 60km south of Northern Star's Jundee mining complex and 18km north of the recent Siona discovery.
This region has produced multiple multi-million ounce gold deposits, with Jundee alone producing over 7 million ounces of gold. The geological setting and mineralisation style at Arrakis show similarities to these major deposits.
The Yandal Greenstone Belt is regarded as one of Western Australia's premium gold districts, known for its high-grade deposits and excellent metallurgical characteristics. The belt extends for approximately 250km and hosts numerous gold operations, making it an attractive location for infrastructure, processing options and potential development pathways.
Investment Perspective: Why Yandal Deserves Attention
For investors tracking the junior gold exploration sector, Yandal Resources presents several compelling reasons for consideration:
- Emerging Discovery: Early-stage results point to a potentially significant gold system with substantial strike extent
- High-Grade Potential: Consistent higher-grade zones within broader mineralised envelopes
- Strategic Location: Prime position in the Yandal Greenstone Belt near major gold operations
- Well-Funded: Strong cash position to advance exploration
- Experienced Team: Management with track record in gold exploration and development
- Existing Resource Base: Company already has established gold resources at other projects
With a current market capitalisation significantly below the potential value of a major gold discovery, successful definition of the Arrakis system could deliver substantial shareholder value as the company advances exploration.
Investors should watch for upcoming drilling results, particularly from the pending RC holes and the upcoming diamond drilling program, which will provide critical information on the continuity and geometry of the mineralisation system.
The coming months will be pivotal for Yandal Resources as it seeks to establish the full scale and economic potential of the Arrakis discovery. With an aggressive exploration program planned and results continuing to flow, the company has positioned itself to potentially deliver one of the more significant gold discoveries in the Yandal Belt in recent years.
Ready to Uncover the Next Major Gold Discovery?
Discover why Yandal Resources' Arrakis project could be one of the most significant gold discoveries in the Yandal Greenstone Belt in recent years. With fresh rock mineralisation confirmed over 400 metres of strike length and high-grade zones within broader mineralised envelopes, Yandal is aggressively advancing this promising project. To learn more about this emerging investment opportunity and stay updated on drilling results, visit Yandal Resources' Investor Hub today.
