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Highlights
Western Yilgarn (ASX:WYX) finalises acquisition of Cardea 3 Bauxite Project in Western Australia's Darling Range
Drilling program confirms widespread bauxite mineralisation with strong alumina characteristics
Project strategically located near existing transport infrastructure for efficient logistics
Western Yilgarn Ltd (ASX:WYX), a company listed on the ASX 200, has announced the acquisition of the Cardea 3 Bauxite Project located in the Darling Range Bauxite Mineral Field in Western Australia. This region is well known for its laterite-hosted bauxite deposits and lies north of Perth, where geological formations linked to the Yilgarn Craton have historically delivered economically significant bauxite mineralisation.
Completion of Transaction and Exploration Activities
The transaction follows an earlier agreement involving staged cash and equity-based consideration, which has now been completed. Prior to the acquisition's conclusion, Western Yilgarn conducted an extensive vacuum drilling campaign across the Cardea 3 prospect. The campaign comprised several hundred drillholes, with a substantial portion confirming favourable grades of available alumina and low reactive silica content.
These drill results build upon historical data, which had previously identified notable intervals of aluminium oxide mineralisation from surface. Geological similarities in the laterite profile were also observed between Cardea 3 and other productive bauxite deposits in the Darling Range.
Geological Features and Resource Characteristics
Cardea 3 is situated within a geological setting dominated by Archaean granite and gneiss units that form part of the broader Yilgarn Craton. The weathering of these units results in the enrichment of gibbsite, a key component in bauxite formation. The surface mineralisation extends across several kilometres in length and width, indicating a broad zone of interest for future exploration.
In addition to the laterite cover, the site features pisolitic gravels which have been flagged for further study. The geological mapping and interpretation conducted so far highlight multiple areas with characteristics favourable for further delineation.
Strategic Location Near Infrastructure
One of the notable aspects of the Cardea 3 Bauxite Project is its strategic location near existing transportation networks. The project lies within trucking distance of a multi-user railway system, which is considered a logistical advantage for future material movement. This access to transport infrastructure is particularly relevant given the sustained market demand and commodity pricing trends in the alumina and bauxite segments.
Proximity to Existing Assets and Regional Synergy
Cardea 3 is positioned to the east of Western Yilgarn’s Julimar West Bauxite Project, which has already been delineated with a substantial resource estimate. The proximity of the two assets opens up operational synergies and regional development efficiencies. Western Yilgarn views this development as complementary to its broader project portfolio in the region.
Forward Exploration Planning
Geochemical sampling and interpreted geophysical results have highlighted several new exploration targets across the Cardea 3 footprint. The company has indicated plans to continue its systematic exploration program, with future activity focusing on both surface and subsurface mineralised zones already outlined through vacuum drilling and geological mapping.
The acquisition marks a continued focus on strengthening the company’s footprint within the bauxite-rich Darling Range, a region characterised by stable geology and proximity to downstream processing and export infrastructure. Western Yilgarn (ASX:WYX) aims to further consolidate its presence through ongoing exploration and asset development within this favourable jurisdiction.
