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Avira Resources Limited has temporarily paused its Phase 1 RC drilling campaign at the Mt Cattlin Gold Project in Western Australia due to ongoing wet-season weather conditions disrupting operations. This suspension prioritizes crew safety, drilling quality, and cost control measures.
Key Points
- Company: Avira Resources Limited (ASX:AVW)
- Update: Suspension of RC drilling at Mt Cattlin Gold Project
- Drilling progress: 1,910 metres completed, 18 out of 37 holes drilled
- Next milestone: Drilling expected to resume in early spring 2026
Advancement in Mt Cattlin Drilling Program
Avira Resources Limited has completed 1,910 metres of drilling across 18 of the planned 37 RC holes in Phase 1 at the Mt Cattlin Gold Project. The drilling has concentrated on the Maori Queen, Sirdar, and Ellendale prospects. Specifically, 13 RC holes have been drilled at Maori Queen, with two remaining to fulfill the planned 15-hole target.
The program aims to explore extensions of the high-grade Main Lode at Maori Queen, focusing beneath the historical mining floor. RC chip sample observations have validated the anticipated down-dip mineralisation model, indicating promising potential for the project.
Weather-Driven Suspension of Drilling Activities
Due to persistent wet-season conditions affecting the Mt Cattlin area, Avira Resources has suspended drilling operations. The decision is driven by concerns over crew safety, potential compromises to data quality, and cost management. This precautionary halt ensures the integrity of drilling results and workforce protection.
Drilling is scheduled to recommence in early spring 2026, pending improved weather. This interval will enable Avira Resources to evaluate current data and enhance targeting strategies for the Sirdar and Ellendale prospects.
Sample Dispatch and Assay Timeline
The company has sent an additional 366 RC samples from the five latest completed holes to SGS Laboratories for analysis. The initial batch of assay results, submitted in mid-June, is anticipated to be returned by mid-to-late July.
These assay outcomes are vital for validating the drilling approach and informing future exploration decisions. Investors are expected to closely monitor these results to assess the project's outlook.
Focused Exploration at Maori Queen Prospect
The Maori Queen prospect continues to be a key focus, with 13 RC holes totaling 1,412 metres drilled and positive results supporting the mineralisation model. The high-grade shoot within the Main Lode, previously yielding significant gold grades, remains a primary target.
Completion of the remaining two RC holes at Maori Queen is planned once drilling resumes, providing a fuller understanding of mineralisation and guiding subsequent exploration.
Upcoming Drilling Targets: Sirdar and Ellendale
Post-resumption, Avira Resources intends to target the Sirdar and Ellendale prospects. Plans include 11 RC holes totaling 1,700 metres at Sirdar and 5 RC holes for 540 metres at Ellendale.
The current drilling pause will be used to refine targeting at these prospects, leveraging insights from the initial Mt Cattlin drilling phase to optimise future exploration efficiency.
Strategic Significance of the Mt Cattlin Gold Project
Situated within the Ravensthorpe Greenstone Belt of the Yilgarn Craton, the Mt Cattlin Gold Project lies in a mineral-rich region. Its proximity to major operations such as Rio Tinto’s Mt Cattlin Lithium Mine and Medallion Metals’ Kundip Gold Project highlights its strategic potential.
Avira Resources is committed to unlocking the district-scale potential of this high-priority gold-copper asset, with the current drilling program playing a pivotal role in its exploration strategy.
Next Steps and Investor Expectations
In the coming months, Avira Resources will continue analysing drilling results and refining its exploration plan. Drilling is expected to restart in early spring 2026, focusing first on completing Maori Queen holes before advancing to Sirdar and Ellendale.
Investors will be attentive to assay results and company updates, which will shed light on the project’s potential. The company aims to deliver a maiden mineral resource estimate by Q4 2026, a milestone likely to influence valuation and strategic direction.
Management Insights
Executive Director James Robinson emphasized Avira Resources’ disciplined management of the drilling program, prioritizing crew safety, data integrity, and shareholder value by pausing operations during adverse weather.
This strategic suspension enables the technical team to thoroughly analyse collected data and refine drill targeting, positioning the company to capitalize on project opportunities when drilling resumes.
