Basin Energy Launches Maiden Drilling at Sybella-Barkly Uranium and Rare Earth Project
Basin Energy has engaged contractors and secured land access to begin maiden drilling at its Sybella-Barkly project, targeting uranium and rare earth elements with government support. The program aims to test district-scale sediment-hosted and paleochannel targets in Queensland.
- Maiden drilling program of ~3,000 metres over 80 holes underway
- Initial phase targets sediment-hosted ionic clay rare earth elements
- Second phase to focus on paleochannel roll front uranium systems
- Land access agreements secured for Barkly Station; Ardmore Station pending
- Queensland Government funding of $150,000 supports initial drilling
Basin Energy Commences Exploration at Sybella-Barkly
Basin Energy Limited (ASX, BSN) is set to embark on its maiden drilling campaign at the Sybella-Barkly project in Queensland, marking a significant step in exploring district-scale uranium and rare earth element (REE) targets. The company has engaged United Drilling Services to undertake approximately 3,000 metres of drilling across 80 holes, with preparations well advanced including drill site pegging and equipment staging in Mount Isa.
Two-Phased Drilling Targeting Distinct Mineralisation Styles
The initial phase of drilling will focus on sediment-hosted ionic clay REE deposits, a style analogous to the nearby Red Metal Sybella discovery. This phase, supported by $150,000 in Queensland Government funding, involves around 45 holes targeting a laterally extensive conductive clay unit identified by airborne electromagnetic (AEM) surveys. Soil sampling has already revealed promising anomalies exceeding 600 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), suggesting significant mineral mobilisation from the Sybella Batholith.
Following this, a second phase will target paleochannel roll front uranium systems, with approximately 35 holes planned. These paleochannels, interpreted from historic AEM data, are considered prospective due to their geological similarity to known uranium deposits such as Valhalla. This phase aims to test the uranium mobilised from the Sybella granites through these sedimentary pathways.
Secured Land Access and Strategic Partnerships
Basin Energy has executed a Conduct and Compensation Agreement with the Australian Cattle and Beef Company for exploration at Barkly Station, with an agreement for Ardmore Station in preparation. The company plans to utilise existing station tracks and access roads to minimise environmental disturbance during drilling. Managing Director Pete Moorhouse highlighted the professionalism and efficiency in assembling the program under tight timelines, emphasizing the potential of these first-pass drilling targets.
Context and Outlook
The Sybella-Barkly project covers an extensive area prospective for both granite-hosted and sediment-hosted uranium and REE mineralisation. Historical exploration in the region has not previously targeted these commodities, leaving a largely untested opportunity. Basin Energy’s approach leverages modern geophysical and geochemical data to prioritise targets, positioning the company at the forefront of green energy metals exploration in Queensland.
While the initial drilling results remain pending, the program’s scale and government backing underscore the strategic importance of the Sybella-Barkly project. The company also plans a reverse circulation drilling campaign targeting hard rock REE mineralisation in 2026, further expanding its exploration footprint.
Bottom Line?
As drilling kicks off, Basin Energy’s Sybella-Barkly project could redefine Queensland’s uranium and rare earth landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- What initial assay results will reveal about the extent and grade of REE and uranium mineralisation?
- How quickly will Basin Energy secure the Ardmore Station access agreement to maintain drilling momentum?
- What are the potential implications of government funding on accelerating project development?
