Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX:YRL) has emerged from its latest reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Oblique Prospect, part of the Ironstone Well-Barwidgee Gold Project, with some intersections indicating broad zones of gold mineralisation.
Redefining the landscape
The 2,574-metre RC drilling program stands to redefine the geological landscape of the northern Yandal Greenstone Belt. It successfully tested mineralisation within the defined extents and confirmed the presence of mineralisation in fresh rock.
The findings have led to a more comprehensive understanding of the local stratigraphy, revealing the primary source of the magnetic anomaly across the prospect.
Assay results revealed multiple mineralised structures intersecting the magnetic stratigraphy, with key intersections including 24 metres at 1.8 g/t gold from 60 metres and a high-grade 3 metres at 11.4 g/t gold from 102 metres, which includes 2 metres at 16.9 g/t gold.
Other significant results include 9 metres at 1.9 g/t gold from 63 metres, and 13 metres at 1.1 g/t gold from 93 metres.
Geological interpretation points to a large structure, named OBL01, as a significant control on mineralisation at the prospect. This structure remains largely unexplored to the northwest and southeast, hinting at the potential for further discoveries.
The company has commenced preparation for the next drilling phase, expected in late in the first quarter or early second quarter of the year.
This will include follow-up drilling at Oblique, along with initial drilling at the Quarter Moon and New England Granite prospects.
Well-funded
The company is well-funded following a successful A$4 million capital raise in November 2023.
The Oblique Prospect, near the 268,000-ounce Flushing Meadows Resource and south of Northern Star’s Jundee Mine, is of particular interest.
Recent drilling results have not only highlighted broader and higher-grade mineralisation but also refined the understanding of the mineralisation geometry.
This includes the identification of potential parallel structures to the south, open along strike and at depth.
Looking ahead, Yandal Resources has an active first half of 2024 planned, with priorities including follow-up diamond drilling at Oblique, refinement of exploration targets at the New England Granite Prospect, and preparation for RC drill testing at Quarter Moon.
The company also anticipates results from soil sampling at Oblique to assess lithium-bearing pegmatite prospects.
Large-scale mineralisation potential
Managing director Tim Kennedy said: “We’re pleased that results from this program have confirmed our view that Oblique has large-scale mineralisation potential.
“Most importantly, these results highlight for the first time the importance of the cross-cutting structures as a key control on mineralisation and provide a focus for exploration moving forward.
“The main OBL01 structure, which hosts a number of strong intercepts, including 24 metres @ 1.8g/t gold, remains open to the northwest and also to the southeast, where the magnetite-rich unit exhibits zones of demagnetisation and is, therefore, a compelling target.
“Other interpreted parallel structures are evident in the magnetic imagery and will also be a focus of ongoing exploration.
“We are excited by the opportunity that Oblique presents and look forward to commencing the next phase of drilling, which will also include testing our other priority targets at Quarter Moon and New England Granite.”