Western Yilgarn’s Exploration Push Hinges on Upcoming Drilling and Board Changes
Western Yilgarn NL reports encouraging exploration results at its Ida Holmes Project, alongside a successful capital raising and strategic board changes, setting the stage for accelerated development in 2025.
- 1.15km conductor identified at Ida Holmes Junction prospect
- Copper-PGE anomalies detected at Hells Gate prospect
- $455,000 placement completed to fund exploration
- New drilling programs designed and permits underway
- Two new non-executive directors appointed to the board
Exploration Momentum at Ida Holmes
Western Yilgarn NL (ASX: WYX) has delivered a robust December quarter report highlighting significant progress at its flagship Ida Holmes Project in Western Australia. The company’s recent airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey unveiled a continuous 1.15-kilometre conductor at the Ida Holmes Junction (IHJ) prospect, a key target for nickel-copper-platinum group element (Ni-Cu-PGE) mineralisation. Complementing this geophysical success, auger drilling at the Hells Gate prospect revealed discrete copper and PGE anomalies reminiscent of the world-class Nebo-Babel deposit, signalling promising exploration potential.
In response to these findings, Western Yilgarn is advancing its exploration strategy with the design and permitting of a Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program to test the IHJ conductor. Additionally, air core (AC) drilling and auger programs are planned to further investigate the layered intrusive Cu-PGE anomalies at Hells Gate, Peregrine, and Mt Holmes prospects. These initiatives underscore the company’s commitment to delineating high-value mineralisation zones within its extensive 1,594 square kilometre portfolio on the Yilgarn Craton.
Capital Raising Fuels Exploration Drive
To underpin its exploration ambitions, Western Yilgarn successfully completed a $455,000 placement at $0.02 per share, accompanied by free attaching options exercisable at $0.05. The capital injection is earmarked for advancing exploration at Ida Holmes Junction and the Julimar West Project, as well as providing working capital. The placement, managed internally with a modest 6% fee to AFSL holders, reflects investor confidence in the company’s exploration pipeline and strategic direction.
Strategic Board Enhancements
Corporate developments during the quarter included the appointment of Pedro Kastellorizos as a Non-Executive Director in October 2024, bringing over 26 years of experience across exploration and mining sectors globally. Post-quarter, John Ciganek joined the board in January 2025, adding deep expertise in mining engineering, project finance, and capital markets. These appointments follow the resignation of John Traicos and the departure of Managing Consultant Craig Moulton, marking a refreshed leadership team poised to steer Western Yilgarn through its next growth phase.
Broader Project Portfolio and Next Steps
Beyond Ida Holmes, Western Yilgarn’s Boodanoo Project has expanded to approximately 130 square kilometres, with ongoing lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite and gold targets defined through extensive auger geochemistry programs. Meanwhile, the Julimar West Project, adjacent to Chalice Mining’s world-class Julimar Ni-Cu-PGE deposit, offers potential for bauxite mineralisation alongside tin, tantalum, and niobium occurrences.
Looking ahead, Western Yilgarn plans to commence drilling programs upon receipt of permits, focusing on the IHJ conductor and high-priority geochemical anomalies. The company is also compiling historical data and conducting metallurgical assessments at Julimar West to evaluate its bauxite resource potential. These activities, supported by the recent capital raise and strengthened board, position Western Yilgarn to unlock value across its diverse Western Australian portfolio.
Bottom Line?
With fresh capital and a revitalised board, Western Yilgarn is set to accelerate exploration, but the market will watch closely for drilling results that validate its promising targets.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming RC and AC drilling confirm the extent and grade of the IHJ conductor and Hells Gate anomalies?
- How will the new board members influence Western Yilgarn’s strategic priorities and capital allocation?
- What are the timelines and potential hurdles for permitting and commencing the planned drilling programs?
