Major Drill Program Targets 2.2km Gold Structure at Caladan
Yandal Resources (ASX: YRL) has commenced a significant reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Yandal Resources program at its Arrakis Prospect within the larger Caladan target area. The 2,000-meter campaign will include six to ten RC holes targeting extensions of impressive air-core intercepts that have already defined a mineralised trend exceeding 2.2 kilometers in strike length.
This program follows multiple promising air-core drilling results announced between July and August 2025, which included standout intercepts such as 11m @ 2.1 g/t Au including 7m @ 3.1 g/t Au from 92m, and 11m @ 1.4 g/t Au including 6m @ 2.3 g/t Au from 72m.
The strategic location of the Caladan target area, which encompasses the Arrakis Prospect, positions it just 60km south of Northern Star's Jundee mining complex and 18km north of the recent Siona discovery within the highly prospective Yandal Greenstone Belt.
According to the company, the RC program should be completed within 10-16 days, with assay results expected within 5-7 weeks.
"This RC program marks an important step in our systematic exploration of the Arrakis Prospect," said Chris Oorschot, Managing Director of Yandal Resources. "The broad-spaced air-core drilling has already defined a substantial mineralised structure, and we're now eager to confirm its continuity in fresh rock."
Arrakis Drilling: Testing Fresh Rock Continuity
The primary objective of the current RC drilling at Yandal Resources is to test fresh rock positions below the recent air-core intercepts that have defined the Arrakis structure. This will help confirm mineralisation continuity at depth and define the geometry of the host structures.
Key intercepts from previous air-core drilling that are being followed up include:
| Hole ID | Intercept | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| 25IWBAC023 | 11m @ 2.1 g/t Au (incl. 7m @ 3.1 g/t Au) | From 90m |
| 25IWBAC032 | 12m @ 1.1g/t Au | From 45m |
| 25IWBAC032 | 12m @ 0.5 g/t Au to EOH | From 70m |
| 25IWBAC044 | 11m @ 1.4 g/t Au (incl. 6m @ 2.3 g/t Au) | From 71m |
| 25IWBAC099 | 22m @ 0.5g/t Au (incl. 7m @ 1.2 g/t Au) | From 75m |
| 25IWBAC052 | 5m @ 0.7 g/t Au to EOH | From 112m |
Understanding Reverse Circulation Drilling: A Key Exploration Step
Reverse circulation (RC) drilling represents a crucial advancement in the exploration process, particularly following successful air-core programs. While air-core drilling is effective for initial testing of targets near the surface, RC drilling can penetrate deeper and provide more reliable samples from fresh, unweathered rock.
RC drilling uses a dual-walled drill rod that forces compressed air down the outer tube while samples return through the inner tube. This method prevents contamination and provides higher-quality samples from greater depths than air-core drilling. For investors, RC programs often represent a significant step in the exploration process, helping to confirm if near-surface mineralisation extends to depths that could support a substantial resource.
The progression from air-core to RC drilling at Arrakis signals growing confidence in the prospect's potential and represents a natural evolution in the systematic exploration approach that could lead to resource definition if results prove positive.
Active Exploration Schedule Through 2025
Yandal Resources maintains a strong cash position and has outlined an ambitious exploration schedule for the remainder of 2025. Near-term activities include:
- Results from the remaining 14 holes from the Caladan air-core program expected in coming weeks
- Completion of the current RC drilling at Yandal Resources within 10-16 days
- Heritage surveys scheduled for late August and September to clear closer-spaced lines across the Caladan target area
- RC drilling results from Arrakis expected in 5-7 weeks
- Second phase of air-core and RC drilling to commence after the August heritage survey
- First results from air-core drilling across the New England Granite target area anticipated soon
- Completion and settlement of the Gordons Gold Project Tenement Sale Agreement for A$2.81 million in cash and Horizon Minerals shares
This methodical approach to exploration across multiple project areas demonstrates management's commitment to systematically advancing the company's portfolio while maintaining financial flexibility.
Yandal's Growing Resource Base
The company has established a substantial resource base across its projects in the Yandal Greenstone Belt. Current mineral resources stand at:
| Category | Tonnes ('000s) | Grade (g/t) | Gold (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indicated | 2,141 | 1.3 | 91,000 |
| Inferred | 8,979 | 1.3 | 379,200 |
| Total | 11,120 | 1.4 | 470,200 |
The flagship Flushing Meadows deposit contributes 268,000 ounces to this total, while the Mt McClure project area holds 182,200 ounces across multiple deposits. The Gordons Dam resource adds a further 20,000 ounces.
Successful exploration at Arrakis could potentially add to this resource base, particularly given the extensive strike length already identified.
Why Investors Should Watch Yandal Resources
Yandal Resources presents a compelling investment case for gold exploration investors for several reasons:
-
Strategic Land Position: The company's projects are located in the highly prospective Yandal Greenstone Belt, home to major gold operations including Jundee (Northern Star) and the recent Siona discovery.
-
Systematic Exploration Approach: Management has demonstrated a methodical approach to exploration, progressing from early-stage work to more advanced drilling in a logical sequence.
-
Multiple Growth Catalysts: With drilling programs across multiple project areas and regular news flow expected throughout 2025, there are numerous potential value-creating events on the horizon.
-
Established Resource Base: The existing 470,200-ounce resource provides a solid foundation, with exploration upside potential from new discoveries like Arrakis.
-
Strong Financial Position: The company maintains a robust cash position, to be further strengthened by the A$2.81 million Gordons Gold Project sale.
For investors seeking exposure to gold exploration in a tier-one mining jurisdiction, Yandal Resources offers a balanced combination of established resources and exploration upside, with regular news flow expected from multiple projects over the coming months. The advancement of the Arrakis Prospect represents just one of several potential value drivers for the company in the near term.
Looking for Gold Exposure in a Tier-One Mining Jurisdiction?
Discover why Yandal Resources' systematic exploration approach and strategic position in the Yandal Greenstone Belt could present a compelling investment opportunity. With an established 470,200-ounce resource base, multiple growth catalysts, and promising results from the Arrakis Prospect, YRL offers both existing value and significant exploration upside. To learn more about Yandal's gold projects and receive regular updates on their drilling programs, visit their Investor Hub today.
