Caladan Exploration Program Delivers Strong New Results
Yandal Resources (ASX:YRL) has announced significant new results from its ongoing Caladan air-core drilling program, with the Arrakis mineralised structure now extending over 2.2 kilometers in strike length. The latest batch of assay results confirms the presence of a potentially significant gold system within the Yandal Greenstone Belt.
Key highlights from the third batch of results include:
- 22m @ 0.5g/t Au from 75m in hole 25IWBAC099, including 7m @ 1.2 g/t Au from 75m
- 5m @ 0.7 g/t Au from 112m to EOH in hole 25IWBAC052
- 9m @ 1.2 g/t Au from 97m in hole 25IWBAC096, including 1m @ 7.7g/t Au from 100m
These results demonstrate not only the extension of the primary Arrakis structure but also suggest the possible presence of a parallel mineralised structure to the southwest.
Systematic Exploration Approach Paying Dividends
The broad-spaced air-core drilling program has effectively delineated a large-scale dolerite-hosted mineralised structure within the Caladan target area. This early-stage exploration success provides Yandal with a clear target to focus its next phase of exploration activities.
"The primary aim of the Caladan air-core program was to look for evidence of a large-scale mineralised system. To receive results of this tenure across such an extensive strike length within the first pass, broad-spaced air-core drilling is rare and indicative of a potentially significant mineralised system," commented Managing Director Chris Oorschot.
The drilling program has been methodical and extensive, comprising 136 holes across ten lines for a total of 13,933m of drilling, testing the Caladan target area over 6.4km of strike. Results for 122 air-core holes have been received to date, with assays from the remaining 14 holes expected in the coming weeks.
Understanding Dolerite-Hosted Gold Systems
In the Yandal Greenstone Belt, dolerite-hosted gold deposits represent important exploration targets. Dolerite is a medium-grained igneous rock that often serves as an excellent host for gold mineralisation due to its chemical reactivity and physical properties that allow for efficient gold deposition during hydrothermal events.
When subjected to shearing and fluid alteration, as observed in the Arrakis structure, dolerites can develop extensive zones of gold mineralisation. The alteration assemblages (chlorite-sericite) observed in the drilling samples are typical of gold-bearing systems in the region, and the presence of oxidised sulphide minerals further supports the potential for significant gold accumulation.
The recognition of consistent mineralisation along strike within the same host rock type is particularly encouraging as it suggests a well-developed mineralising system with potential for economic concentrations of gold.
Next Steps: Follow-up Drilling and Expansion
Yandal has outlined a clear path forward to advance exploration at the Caladan target area:
- RC Drilling Program: Scheduled to commence in the coming weeks, targeting below the recently reported air-core intercepts on existing drill lines to test mineralisation within fresh rock
- Heritage Surveys: Planned for late August and September to clear closer spaced lines across the Arrakis structure and test extensions along strike
- Second Phase Air-core and RC Drilling: Following completion of the heritage surveys, with emphasis on defining the full footprint of the mineralised structure and assessing mineralisation variations along strike
The company's goal is clear – to find the thickest and/or highest-grade part of this mineralised system. With each phase of exploration, Yandal is systematically narrowing down the most prospective zones within this extensive gold system.
Strategic Position in the Yandal Greenstone Belt
The Caladan target area, including the Arrakis Prospect, is strategically located 60km south of Northern Star's Jundee mining complex and 18km north of the recent Siona discovery within the Yandal Greenstone Belt. This region is known for hosting significant gold deposits, and Yandal's land package covers prime exploration ground in this prolific gold district.
The company maintains a robust cash position and has a very active exploration schedule planned for the second half of 2025, including:
- Completing analysis of results from the remaining Caladan AC program holes
- Commencing RC drilling across the Arrakis Prospect
- Conducting heritage surveys to enable closer-spaced drilling
- Initiating a second phase of AC and RC drilling
- Anticipating first results from AC drilling at the New England Granite target area
Why Investors Should Follow Yandal Resources
Yandal Resources presents a compelling investment case for gold exploration investors for several key reasons:
- Systematic Exploration Success: The company has demonstrated the ability to identify and expand gold mineralisation through methodical exploration techniques
- Significant Scale Potential: With the Arrakis structure now extending over 2.2km and remaining open in both directions, there is substantial room for resource growth
- Strategic Land Position: The company's tenements are located in the highly prospective Yandal Greenstone Belt, near major gold operations and discoveries
- Multiple Target Pipeline: Beyond Arrakis, the company has identified multiple targets across its project portfolio
- Well-Funded Exploration: With a robust cash position, Yandal can continue its aggressive exploration program
The identification of a 2.2km mineralised structure in early-stage drilling is a significant achievement that positions Yandal Resources for potential discovery success as it moves into more advanced drilling phases. With multiple catalysts on the horizon, including additional drilling results and program expansions, investors should keep a close eye on discoveries by Yandal Resources Ltd through the remainder of 2025.
Want to Capitalise on Yandal's Exciting Gold Discovery?
For investors seeking exposure to a potentially significant gold system in the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt, Yandal Resources (ASX:YRL) offers a compelling opportunity. With a 2.2km mineralised structure already identified and multiple drilling programs planned for the remainder of 2025, now is the time to follow this emerging gold story. Visit Yandal's Investor Hub to learn more about their strategic exploration approach and to stay updated on future drilling results from the promising Caladan Project.
