Arrakis Discovery: Yandal Resources Accelerates Gold Exploration with Diamond Drilling
Yandal Resources has unveiled plans to commence diamond drilling at its promising Arrakis gold discovery within the Ironstone Well-Barwidgee Gold Project. This next phase follows receipt of final reverse circulation (RC) drilling results that continue to demonstrate the significant potential of this emerging discovery.
Diamond Drilling Campaign to Extend High-Grade Intercepts
The company has mobilised a diamond drilling rig to the Arrakis Prospect, with drilling set to begin immediately to follow up on previously reported high-grade gold intercepts that include:
- 54m @ 1.2g/t Au from 108m to end of hole in 25IWBRC0040, including 24m @ 2.1g/t Au and a higher-grade zone of 8m @ 4.7g/t Au
- 50m @ 1.3g/t Au from 122m in 25IWBRC0042, including 28m @ 1.9g/t Au
The latest RC results indicate that two holes (25IWBRC0044 and 25IWBRC0046) ended short of the targeted Arrakis structure, presenting an opportunity for diamond tails to extend these holes into the mineralised zone.
"While it is disappointing that these final RC holes did not penetrate the targeted Arrakis structure, they provide a perfect pre-collar for diamond drilling, potentially enabling speedy access to oriented diamond core intercepting the Arrakis structure," said Yandal Resources Managing Director, Chris Oorschot.
Accelerated Exploration Strategy
The company is implementing a comprehensive exploration plan for Arrakis that includes:
- An approximately 2,000m diamond drilling program commencing immediately
- A 5,000m RC program scheduled for November across 200m spaced lines
- Heritage surveys underway to clear additional drilling lines
These programs aim to delineate the full extent of the mineralising system along the 2.2km striking Arrakis trend, which was initially identified through broadly spaced 800m and 400m drill lines.
Understanding the Arrakis Structure
Initial geological observations suggest that a zone of intense silica alteration or micro-crystalline veining marks the eastern boundary of mineralisation at Arrakis. The upcoming diamond drilling will provide crucial structural data and enable a better understanding of the geometry and controls on mineralisation.
The Arrakis Prospect is located within the Caladan target area, situated approximately 60km south of the Jundee mining complex (operated by Northern Star Resources) and 18km north of the recent Siona discovery in the Yandal Greenstone Belt.
"Arrakis is the result of an exploration strategy that is centred on delivering large-scale discoveries. The Caladan target area and the discovery of Arrakis therein have progressed rapidly over the last three months. This progress has been made utilising broad 800m and 400m spaced drill lines that were applied to identify evidence of the broad mineralised system. There is plenty of work ahead, with early results suggesting an extensive mineralised system," commented Chris Oorschot.
Strong Financial Position to Support Expanded Exploration
Yandal Resources recently completed a A$13.5 million capital raising, positioning the company to expand and accelerate exploration across multiple targets including:
- The Arrakis discovery
- New England Granite target area
- Flushing Meadows deposit
Additionally, the company expects to receive further funds from:
- Completion of the Gordons Gold Project Tenement Sale Agreement (A$2.81 million)
- Potential exercise of 23.6 million unlisted options at $0.11 expiring in November (A$2.6 million if fully exercised)
What is Orogenic Gold?
Orogenic gold deposits form during mountain building processes when hot, mineral-rich fluids move through rocks along faults and fractures. As these fluids cool and interact with surrounding rocks, gold precipitates within quartz veins or adjacent altered rock.
Key characteristics of orogenic gold deposits include:
- Formation along major structural features like faults and shear zones
- Association with metamorphic rocks, particularly greenschist facies
- Occurrence in ancient terrains, typically 2.7-2.5 billion years old in the Yilgarn Craton
- Gold mineralisation often found with sulphides (pyrite, arsenopyrite)
- Variable deposit sizes, from small occurrences to world-class multi-million-ounce deposits
The Arrakis gold discovery represents a classic Archaean orogenic gold system within the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt. The mineralisation is hosted within mafic and intermediate lithologies beneath 5-20m of transported cover.
This geological setting shares similarities with other major gold deposits in the region, including the Jundee complex to the north, which has produced several million ounces of gold since discovery.
Why Investors Should Take Notice
Yandal Resources gold exploration presents a compelling investment opportunity with several key attributes:
- Emerging discovery with substantial strike length (2.2km) at Arrakis
- Strategic location in the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt near existing major gold operations
- Well-funded exploration with over $13.5 million recently raised
- Multiple catalysts in the near term, including diamond drilling results and New England Granite target results
- Experienced management with a track record of systematic exploration
The upcoming diamond drilling program, expected to be completed in 4-6 weeks with results anticipated in December, represents a significant catalyst that could further demonstrate the scale and grade of the Arrakis discovery.
Next Steps and Timeline
The company has outlined a clear progression of exploration activities:
Timeline | Activity | Expected Outcome |
---|---|---|
October 2025 | 2,000m diamond drilling program begins | Structural understanding of mineralisation |
November 2025 | 5,000m RC program across 200m spaced lines | Define extent of mineralisation |
December 2025 | Diamond drilling results expected | Further understanding of grade and continuity |
Ongoing | Heritage surveys | Clear additional drilling areas |
Q4 2025-Q1 2026 | Potential resource definition drilling | Subject to positive results |
The company has also stated that first results from air-core drilling across the New England Granite target area are anticipated in the coming weeks, providing another potential catalyst for investors.
For investors seeking exposure to Yandal Resources gold exploration with near-term news flow and substantial discovery potential, the accelerating exploration at Arrakis warrants close attention.
Ready to Capitalise on Yandal's Gold Discovery Potential?
With diamond drilling now underway at the promising Arrakis discovery and multiple catalysts on the horizon, Yandal Resources represents a compelling opportunity in the gold exploration sector. To learn more about their strategic position in the Yandal Greenstone Belt and how their well-funded exploration programme could unlock significant value, visit Yandal Resources' Investor Hub for detailed information and to stay updated on upcoming announcements.