Avira Resources Initiates 4,500-Metre RC Drilling at Mt Cattlin Gold Project with Maiden Resource Estimate Planned for Q4 2026

Regulatory Approvals Pave Way for Mt Cattlin Exploration Program

Avira Resources has successfully completed the regulatory approval process required for exploration at the Mt Cattlin Gold Project. During the June 2026 quarter, the company received Program of Work approval from the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration for a 4,500-metre RC drilling program across four prospects: Sirdar, Maori Queen, Ellendale, and Plantagenet. This milestone is critical to advancing Avira’s exploration strategy in Western Australia’s southern Goldfields-Esperance region.

In addition to drilling approval, Avira secured environmental clearance following comprehensive flora and fauna surveys, meeting all conditions set by the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. Formal heritage approval was also obtained from WKSNAC, authorizing the start of on-ground exploration. The extension of Exploration Licence E74/401 to 13 March 2028 provides the company with enhanced tenure security. These regulatory successes underscore Avira’s compliance with Western Australian exploration standards and position Mt Cattlin for sustained advancement.

Drilling Advances at Maori Queen Prospect Target Historic High-Grade Extensions

The Maori Queen prospect is a primary focus, with thirteen RC holes totaling 1,412 metres completed. This drilling tests extensions of the high-grade Main Lode beneath the historical mining floor, both down-dip and along strike. Two additional RC holes totaling 280 metres remain to complete Phase 1 drilling at Maori Queen, reflecting a methodical approach to resource delineation.

Historical results at Maori Queen highlight significant high-grade potential, including intersections such as 2.00 metres at 31.65 grams per tonne gold from 67 metres depth and 2.00 metres at 19.46 grams per tonne gold from 24 metres depth. Recent chip sample observations from RC holes support the down-dip mineralisation model. The vein trends north-east and dips 70 degrees to the north-west, with historical mining removing near-surface material to about 30 metres depth. Current drilling targets the main mineralised zone below this level, focusing on extending the high-grade shoot within the Main Lode beneath the historical mining floor and further down plunge.

Plantagenet Prospect Drilling Prioritized to Exploit Seasonal Access Window

Due to its remote and rugged terrain with seasonal access challenges, the Plantagenet prospect was prioritized as the first drilling target in Phase 1. Completing drilling before winter rains enabled critical exploration results during an optimal operational window. Five RC holes totaling 497 metres have been drilled at Plantagenet, with samples submitted to SGS Laboratories for analysis.

Plantagenet’s exploration potential is supported by historical intercepts such as 4.00 metres at 18.52 grams per tonne gold from 14 metres depth and 3.00 metres at 19.98 grams per tonne gold from 62 metres depth. These high-grade near-surface intercepts occur within narrow quartz-sulphide structures associated with diorite intrusions. The geometry and down-dip extent of these structures remain largely undefined, making current drilling essential to establish the scale and continuity of mineralisation. Plantagenet lies 600 metres west-south-west of the Sirdar prospect, which is slated for future drilling.

Mt Cattlin Gold Project Overview and Historical Mining Credentials

The Mt Cattlin Gold Project, held under Exploration Licence E74/401, is located approximately 4 kilometres north of Ravensthorpe in Western Australia’s southern Goldfields-Esperance region. It borders the large-scale Mt Cattlin Lithium Mine operated by Galaxy Lithium Australia Pty Ltd, a Rio Tinto Lithium subsidiary. Avira holds all mineral rights except for pegmatite minerals, clarifying its exploration scope and gold mineralisation ownership.

The high-grade Maori Queen and Sirdar gold deposits have a historical production record of 23,006 tonnes at 24.56 grams per tonne gold, underscoring the project’s significant potential. This legacy mining history provides a solid foundation for Avira’s exploration program and supports the rationale for ongoing drilling. The project’s location within an established mining district, adjacent to a major lithium operation, offers logistical and infrastructure advantages for exploration and potential development.

Assay Results Expected Soon as Company Advances Toward Maiden Resource Estimate

Samples submitted in mid-June 2026 are expected to yield assay results imminently. This rapid turnaround will facilitate data validation and metallurgical characterisation of the Maori Queen and Plantagenet prospects, enabling assessment of drilling success and refinement of mineralisation models.

Avira targets delivery of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate in Q4 2026, with drilling at Maori Queen and Plantagenet directly informing this milestone. Completion of assays, alongside ongoing drilling at Sirdar and Ellendale, will underpin resource classification. This timeline marks a key operational milestone and potential catalyst for investor interest in the project’s development.

Drilling Program Progress and Upcoming Prospect Targets

As of the quarter-end report, Avira has completed eighteen of thirty-seven planned RC holes within the 4,500-metre drilling program. Thirteen holes were drilled at Maori Queen and five at Plantagenet, with two holes remaining to complete Phase 1 at Maori Queen. The next drilling targets are the Sirdar and Ellendale prospects, following a systematic exploration sequence that allows integration of assay data into the geological model.

The approved drilling program provides ample scope to test multiple prospects and mineralisation styles across Mt Cattlin. By advancing through the prospect pipeline, Avira is developing a comprehensive understanding of gold potential within the exploration licence. The company’s ability to maintain drilling momentum while managing regulatory, heritage, and seasonal constraints reflects effective operational execution. Upcoming drilling at Sirdar and Ellendale will enhance the resource database and may expand the project’s mineral inventory ahead of the Q4 2026 resource estimate.

Capital Structure and Equity Overview

Avira Resources has 575,000,000 ordinary shares (AVW) issued. The company also holds a significant options portfolio, including 270,781,470 quoted options exercisable at $0.015 until 30 June 2027 (AVWOB), alongside multiple unquoted options and performance rights extending through 2028. This capital structure reflects its exploration-stage status and potential dilution pathways via performance rights exercise or share issuance.

The extensive options portfolio balances exploration funding needs with stakeholder incentives. Performance rights programs, such as Class C expiring 3 December 2027 and Class D expiring 5 December 2028, align management incentives with medium-term milestones like the Q4 2026 maiden resource estimate. The leadership team includes David Wheeler (Non-Executive Chairman), James Robinson (Executive Director), David Deloub (Non-Executive Director), Andrew van Bentum (Chief Executive Officer), and Rhys Waldon (Company Secretary).

Operational Context Within Western Australia’s Gold Exploration Sector

Avira’s Mt Cattlin project is situated in Western Australia’s established gold mining district, home to numerous exploration and production assets demonstrating gold’s enduring economic viability. The southern Goldfields-Esperance region benefits from well-developed mining infrastructure, and proximity to the operating Mt Cattlin Lithium Mine offers logistical advantages. Avira’s timely regulatory approvals reflect both Western Australia’s mature exploration framework and the company’s compliance capabilities.

The high-grade nature of Maori Queen and Plantagenet prospects, featuring near-surface gold in narrow quartz-sulphide veins, aligns with economic potential for future development. Historical mining at Maori Queen and Sirdar validates the geological model and supports confidence in mineralisation continuity below the historical mining floor. As Avira advances toward its Q4 2026 resource estimate, investors will monitor its ability to demonstrate resource growth and economic viability metrics that could underpin a transition toward pre-development evaluation.