Yandal Resources Uncovers New Gold Prospect with 11m at 1.7g/t Au at Caladan

Significant Gold Intercept at Caladan

Yandal Resources (ASX: YRL) has announced encouraging results from its first-pass air-core drilling program at the Caladan target area, part of its Ironstone Well-Barwidgee Gold Project in Western Australia. The standout intercept includes 11 metres grading 1.7 grams per tonne (g/t) gold from 97 metres to the end of the hole, with a higher-grade sub-interval of 3 metres at 3.5 g/t Au. This intercept was recorded in hole 24IWBAC063 and is hosted within an intermediate volcaniclastic unit near a mafic contact, indicating a robust mineralised system beneath transported cover.

Emergence of the Arrakis Prospect

This drilling line has unveiled a new gold prospect named Arrakis, situated within a broader 3-kilometre-long low-level regolith gold anomaly (CAL-01). The Caladan Fold structure itself extends approximately 8 kilometres in length and 3 kilometres in width, representing a significant exploration target. The discovery at Arrakis is particularly notable given that only a single line of air-core drilling has been completed so far, underscoring the potential for further mineralisation along strike.

Strategic Exploration and Next Steps

Yandal’s Managing Director, Chris Oorschot, described the results as "extremely satisfying," highlighting the rapid progression from concept to discovery within six months. The company plans to conduct follow-up reverse circulation (RC) drilling on the existing air-core line in the coming weeks, with a heritage survey underway to enable expansion of drilling across the Caladan Fold. This phased approach balances exploration momentum with regulatory and cultural considerations.

Broader Project Context

The Caladan target area lies within the prolific Yandal Greenstone Belt, a region known for hosting significant gold deposits such as Northern Star’s Bronzewing and Jundee mining complexes. Yandal’s Ironstone Well-Barwidgee Project benefits from proximity to these established operations, enhancing the strategic value of the Caladan discovery. The company is also advancing drilling programs at other targets including the nearby Siona discovery, where diamond drilling is scheduled to commence shortly.

Technical and Geological Insights

The mineralisation at Arrakis is associated with strong sericite alteration, veining, and disseminated sulphides including pyrite and arsenopyrite, typical indicators of orogenic gold systems. The presence of transported cover averaging 8 metres thick has historically hindered exploration, but Yandal’s use of air-core drilling has effectively tested through this cover to the underlying bedrock. The company’s integration of historic data, ground gravity surveys, and modern drilling techniques exemplifies a methodical approach to greenfield exploration.

Outlook and Market Implications

With a strong cash position entering 2025, Yandal Resources is well-positioned to accelerate its exploration activities. The initial Caladan results provide a compelling case for the potential emergence of a new gold discovery, which could materially enhance the company’s resource base. Investors will be watching closely as follow-up drilling results and heritage survey outcomes unfold, potentially unlocking further value in this under-explored region.