Western Yilgarn Reports 168.3Mt @ 36.1% Al2O3 at Julimar West, Raises $520K for Exploration
Western Yilgarn NL reports a substantial 168.3 million tonne inferred bauxite resource at Julimar West and progresses exploration at its New Norcia gallium-bauxite project, supported by a $520,000 capital raise.
- Julimar West Bauxite Project hosts 168.3Mt @ 36.1% Al2O3 inferred resource
- Higher-grade subset of 97.1Mt @ 40.5% Al2O3 identified at Julimar West
- New Norcia project exploration licence application with promising historical gallium and alumina drill results
- Appointment of John Ciganek as Non-Executive Director strengthens board expertise
- Completed $520,000 placement to fund exploration and working capital
Robust Julimar West Resource Foundation
Western Yilgarn NL (ASX: WYX) has delivered a significant update in its quarterly activities report for the period ending 31 March 2025, spotlighting the Julimar West Bauxite Project in Western Australia. The company confirmed an inferred mineral resource estimate (MRE) of 168.3 million tonnes grading 36.1% total alumina (Al2O3) and 14.7% total silica (SiO2) at a cut-off grade of 25% Al2O3. Notably, a higher-grade portion of this resource, using a 35% Al2O3 cut-off, stands at 97.1 million tonnes with an enhanced grade of 40.5% Al2O3 and reduced silica content of 11.3%.
The Julimar West deposit extends over a strike length of 21.3 kilometres with an average width of 1.5 kilometres and mineralisation starting from surface to a depth of approximately 8 vertical metres. This shallow, extensive deposit offers a strong foundation for potential direct shipping ore (DSO) operations, targeting export markets in China and the Middle East.
Strategic Drilling Plans to Expand Resource
Western Yilgarn outlined a comprehensive drilling program aimed at both infilling and extending the resource. Four key target areas have been identified: north and east of Zone 200, infill drilling between Zones 100 and 400, and a large untested zone extending 22 kilometres from Zone 400 to the Julimar Prospect. These areas present significant upside potential to grow the resource base and improve confidence levels ahead of any development decision.
New Norcia Gallium-Bauxite Project Advances
In parallel, the company has applied for an exploration licence over the New Norcia Gallium-Bauxite Project, located approximately 25 kilometres north of Julimar West within the Darling Range Bauxite Mineral Field. Historical drilling data reveals high-grade gallium intersections, with assays up to 134.3 grams per tonne Ga2O3 over 2 metres from surface, alongside strong alumina grades. This dual commodity potential positions New Norcia as a compelling exploration target in a region with established bauxite and aluminium production.
Corporate Developments and Capital Raising
On the corporate front, Western Yilgarn strengthened its board with the appointment of John Ciganek as Non-Executive Director. Mr. Ciganek brings over 30 years of mining and finance experience, including project development and capital markets expertise, which will be instrumental as the company advances its projects.
To support ongoing exploration and working capital needs, Western Yilgarn completed a placement raising $520,000 at $0.036 per share. The funds will accelerate drilling programs at both Julimar West and New Norcia, underpinning the company’s growth strategy.
Financial Position and Outlook
The company reported a cash balance of $372,000 at quarter-end, with no substantive production or development activities during the period. Western Yilgarn remains focused on exploration, with plans to systematically test identified targets and advance resource definition. The company’s forward-looking statements highlight typical exploration risks but underscore confidence in the projects’ potential and the pathway toward establishing economic bauxite and gallium resources.
Bottom Line?
Western Yilgarn’s dual focus on expanding Julimar West’s bauxite resource and unlocking New Norcia’s gallium potential sets the stage for a pivotal exploration phase ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling results impact the resource classification and size at Julimar West?
- What is the commercial potential and market outlook for gallium from the New Norcia project?
- How might the recent capital raise influence Western Yilgarn’s exploration timeline and operational milestones?
