Access Renewal and Metallurgy Tests Could Define Orion’s Next Phase

Discovery and Geological Context

Dreadnought Resources has announced an initial independent inferred mineral resource estimate for its Orion copper-gold-silver-cobalt deposit, part of the Tarraji-Yampi project in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Discovered in 2021, Orion is characterised as a pelitic-mafic or “Besshi-style” volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system, a geological style known for hosting multiple deposits, with notable analogues including the DeGrussa deposit in WA.

The deposit lies within the Yampi Sound Training Area, Commonwealth freehold land administered by the Department of Defence, and is situated in a region historically inaccessible to exploration until recent access agreements were established. The area’s geology is dominated by Proterozoic metasediments and mafic volcanic rocks, providing a fertile setting for VMS mineralisation.

Resource Highlights and Potential

The initial JORC 2012 inferred resource totals 1.17 million tonnes grading 1.2% copper, 1.0 gram per tonne gold, 19.8 grams per tonne silver, and 0.06% cobalt. This equates to contained metals of approximately 14,200 tonnes of copper, 38,900 ounces of gold, 745,900 ounces of silver, and 650 tonnes of cobalt. The mineralisation remains open to the north and at depth, suggesting significant potential for resource growth through extensional drilling.

Importantly, the deposit’s proximity to infrastructure within the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility zone and its hosting of critical minerals positions it strategically to contribute to Australia’s energy transition and defense supply chains. Copper and cobalt are essential for renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles, underscoring the deposit’s broader significance beyond immediate economic value.

Exploration and Technical Work

Dreadnought has employed modern geophysical and geochemical techniques to delineate the deposit, drilling 62 reverse circulation holes and 17 diamond holes to define the mineralisation with a drill spacing of approximately 40 by 40 metres. The company has also identified multiple additional targets within the Tarraji-Yampi project area, including high-grade copper-silver-antimony-bismuth veins at Rough Triangle and other VMS-style prospects.

Metallurgical test work is planned to assess the amenability of the massive sulphides to flotation and other processing methods, a critical step towards evaluating economic extraction potential. The resource estimate was prepared by Ashmore Advisory Pty Ltd using ordinary kriging interpolation and incorporates detailed geological modelling and quality assurance protocols.

Regulatory and Community Engagement

The project operates under a bi-annual Deed of Access with the Commonwealth Government, reflecting a co-existence model involving the Dambimangari People and government stakeholders. Dreadnought emphasises its commitment to maintaining strong relationships with traditional owners and regulatory bodies as it advances exploration and potential development activities.

With the recent closure of the Koolan Island iron ore mine nearby, Orion could become a significant economic contributor to the West Kimberley region, supporting local employment and infrastructure development.

Looking Ahead

Dreadnought’s immediate plans include metallurgical testing and further drilling to expand the resource, particularly targeting extensions to the north and at depth. The company also continues to explore other promising targets within the Tarraji-Yampi project, aiming to establish a camp-scale VMS system. These efforts align with broader market trends anticipating rising demand for copper and cobalt driven by global decarbonisation efforts.