Yandal Resources Ltd (ASX:YRL) has received further encouraging results from the final round of reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Flushing Meadows deposit of the Ironstone Well Gold Project in Western Australia with an updated resource estimate underway.
The drilling program, which was completed in May 2020, was designed to expand and upgrade the initial 190,000-ounce mineral resource estimate as well as to support open pit mine development activities.
Strong results
Further 1-metre sample assay results from the oxide drilling include:
- 8 metres at 2.22 g/t from 57 metres including 2 metres at 4.42 g/t and 3 metres at 3.37 g/t from 74 metres including 2 metres at 4.75 g/t;
- 4 metres at 3.04 g/t from 50 metres including 3 metres at 3.90 g/t;
- 3 metres at 6.10 g/t from 87 metres including 1-metre at 16.37 g/t;
- 16 metres at 2.20 g/t from 80 metres including 10 metres at 2.90 g/t and 1-metre at 12.61 g/t; and
- 17 metres at 1.56 g/t from 82 metres including 4 metres at 3.16 g/t.
Gold assay results from 17 angled RC holes for 1,566 metres are reported above a 0.50 g/t gold lower cut-off grade.
Flushing Meadows prospect collar plan showing the collar locations of completed RC holes.
Work has begun by a combination of Yandal personnel and independent resource industry consultants in relation to the Flushing Meadows feasibility study.
Since the September 2019 resource estimate, Yandal has completed more than 12,000 metres of resource-quality RC drilling in 139 holes with detailed data quality assurance/quality control testing to expand and confirm the estimate.
Resource targeted for completion
It is anticipated that when completed by BMGS, the updated estimate will contain a larger portion of material reporting to the higher confidence indicated resource category.
After the completion of a pit optimisation and design study, a close-spaced RC drilling program will be designed to reduce assay data density in a number of key mineralised areas of the estimate above and below the standing groundwater table as part of ongoing QA/QC programs.
The aim of the program will be to improve confidence in modelling parameters, grade estimation and grade continuity.
Geotechnical and hydrogeological studies
Independent consultants have begun suitable geotechnical, groundwater and surface water studies to support the feasibility study.
A four-hole triple tube diamond drilling program for 470 metres has commenced to provide high-quality geological and geotechnical data to assist with open pit mine design.
The diamond drill holes are planned to be equipped as water monitoring bores to support hydrogeological assessment upon completion of coring activities.
Environmental, permitting and stakeholder engagement
An initial flora and fauna survey was completed by Botanica Consulting in 2019 and they have been retained to complete Mining Proposal, Mine Closure Plan and Clearing Permit applications for the project.
The majority of the current estimate is within granted Mining Lease M53/1093 and Yandal has applied for a new Mining Lease M53/1108 adjoining M53/1093 to the northwest along strike and within Exploration Licence E53/1963.
Yandal is in the early stages of engagement with Central Desert, the Shire of Wiluna and the Department of Mines, Industry, Regulation and Safety to work towards the completion of all statutory approvals to mine.
Next steps
The company’s key exploration and development activities planned during the September quarter include:
- Receive and review pending 4-metre and 1-metre assay results from Gordons Dam aircore and RC drilling;
- Beginning aircore drilling at Gordons Dam;
- Completing new diamond drilling, geotechnical and hydrogeological studies at Flushing Meadows deposit to support feasibility studies;
- Completing updated resource estimate and pit optimisation/design study for Flushing Meadows;
- Starting new diamond drilling at Gordons Dam; and
- Completing new RC drilling at Mt McClure, Ironstone Well, Barwidgee and Gordons projects.