New Supergene Model at Yuinmery Raises Questions on Resource Expansion Risks
Empire Resources has reported promising assay results from the initial 15 holes of its recent air core drilling program at the Yuinmery Copper-Gold Project, revealing significant supergene and oxide copper-gold mineralisation.
- First 15 holes of 42-hole, 1,828m air core program assay results released
- High-grade copper and gold intercepts at Just Desserts and Trajan prospects
- Discovery supports emerging supergene and oxide mineralisation model
- Potential for additional shallow copper-gold resources identified
- Further assay results and metallurgical testing underway
Exploration Revival at Yuinmery
Empire Resources Limited (ASX – ERL) has breathed new life into its Yuinmery Copper-Gold Project in Western Australia with the release of assay results from the first 15 holes of a 42-hole air core drilling campaign completed in September 2025. This program marks the first drilling at the Just Desserts prospect since 2011, signaling a renewed focus on unlocking the project's potential.
The initial results are encouraging, highlighting significant copper and gold mineralisation, particularly in the supergene and oxide zones near surface and at moderate depths. These findings suggest the presence of richer, previously undocumented ore zones that could enhance the project's economic viability.
Key Assay Highlights and Geological Insights
Notable intercepts include 5 meters at 0.77% copper and 0.06 grams per tonne gold from 48 meters, and an impressive 3 meters at 2.77% copper and 0.07 grams per tonne gold from 59 meters in hole YAC25-17. Other standout results, such as 8 meters at 2.13% copper and 0.6 grams per tonne gold (including 5 meters at 2.98% copper and 0.93 grams per tonne gold), underscore the potential for high-grade zones.
The mineralisation is associated with supergene minerals like native copper and chalcocite, accompanied by consistent gold values, which could add significant value to the resource. The geological setting within the Youanmi greenstone belt features altered volcanic units and sulphidic sediments conducive to volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) copper-gold deposits.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Empire’s Non-Executive Chairman Michel Ruane emphasized the significance of these results, noting the validation of a new supergene/oxide mineralisation model and the potential for additional shallow resources. The company plans to receive and analyse assay results from the remaining 27 holes, conduct metallurgical test work on drill cuttings, and explore strike extensions and southern areas of Just Desserts.
These activities aim to refine the resource model and establish a processing route for the near-surface ore, potentially paving the way for future resource upgrades and development decisions. The broader Yuinmery project, including other prospects like Trajan and YT01, remains a focus for ongoing exploration.
Context Within Empire’s Portfolio
Yuinmery is one of three key projects for Empire Resources, alongside Nanadie and Penny’s Gold, positioning the company as a copper and gold exploration specialist in Western Australia. The recent drilling success at Just Desserts could be a catalyst for re-rating the asset, especially if further assays confirm the early promising trends.
Bottom Line?
As Empire Resources advances its Yuinmery program, the market will watch closely for further assay results and metallurgical insights that could redefine the project's value.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the remaining 27 drill holes confirm the extent of high-grade supergene and oxide mineralisation?
- How will metallurgical test results influence processing strategies and project economics?
- Could the emerging supergene/oxide model lead to a significant resource upgrade at Just Desserts?
