Yambah Project

Introduction

The Yambah Project, encompassing exploration licenses EL28340 (Bushy Park, 97 km²) and EL28271 (Bald Hill, 218 km²), was acquired by KGL Resources Limited in 2015 due to geological similarities with the Jervois Project. Despite limited exploration since acquisition, historical data and field reviews indicate potential for further mineralisation, particularly for zinc, lead, and copper deposits. The project has seen various exploration efforts over decades, though much of the tenement area remains underexplored.

Regional Geological Setting

The Yambah project is located in the Aileron Geological Province of the Arunta Region, part of the North Australian Craton. The tenements encompass high-grade metamorphic rocks of the Strangways Metamorphic Complex (SMC), which primarily consist of pelitic metasediments with mafic intrusions. These rocks contrast with the psammitic Bonya Schists found at Jervois. The SMC experienced intense granulite-facies metamorphism during the Strangways Event (~1720–1700 Ma), which was characterised by significant deformation and element redistribution

Notably, the high-temperature metamorphic conditions (850-900°C, 8 kBar) observed at Bushy Park may obscure original geological features. However, this setting could also facilitate element remobilisation into structural traps, enhancing the mineralisation potential.

Strangways Metamorphic Complex (SMC). The SMC is a thick package of complexly folded Palaeoproterozoic mafic and felsic granulites and metasedimentary rocks with minor granitic intrusions. It has been suggested the SMC was a package of felsic and mafic volcanics with sedimentary sequences, however intense deformation, metamorphism and alteration of the rocks and associated mineralization has obscured any primary features making conclusions on the geological setting and genesis of the mineralization difficult.

Metallogeny

The Yambah area features numerous mineral occurrences, forming a potential regional mineralised zone extending across both tenements. Deposits are likely related to volcanic-associated massive sulphide (VAMS) systems, with mineralisation hosted in calc-silicates, granulites, and cordierite-bearing rocks. Historical drilling suggests sub-economic mineralisation, but potential exists for a larger igneous-driven system.

The mineralisation trend appears to align along a northwest-southeast axis, as indicated by aeromagnetic data. Metal zoning patterns—including copper-gold, copper-zinc, and lead-zinc associations—may indicate a preserved, large-scale volcanic system with significant exploration potential.

Tenement EL28340 (Bushy Park)

Exploration History

Initial exploration focused on the Red Rock Bore prospect, revealing zinc mineralisation over a 1 km strike. Historical geophysics, including IP surveys and aeromagnetics, guided further drilling. Results included:

• Sub-economic mineralisation with isolated high-grade zones (e.g., 8.4% Zn over 40 cm).
• Geophysical anomalies suggesting potential for larger systems.

From the 1970s to the early 2000s, various companies employed techniques such as geochemical sampling, ground magnetics, and reverse circulation drilling. While the results were promising, they lacked follow-up to fully define the resource.

Geology

The tenement features felsic and mafic gneisses, granulites, and a significant quartz-garnet-magnetite ridge. Granulite-grade metamorphism complicates geological interpretation but hints at bimodal volcanism associated with mineralisation. The observed structural complexity and high-grade metamorphism could provide structural traps for remobilised mineralisation.

Future Exploration

Recommendations include modern IP and magnetic surveys with 3D inversion techniques to delineate deeper or lateral extensions of known mineralisation. Additionally, geochemical surveys should target unexplored areas of the tenement.

Tenement EL28271 (Bald Hill)

Exploration History

Historical work identified multiple prospects, including Rankins, Gecko, Emily, and Dawn:

• Rankins: 3.8% Pb and 1.6% Zn over 1.5 m.
• Gecko: 4.4% Zn over 4.6 m.
• Emily: High-grade copper-gold association (e.g., 22.2% Cu, 1.05 g/t Au).
• Dawn: Copper-zinc association with anomalies up to 0.56% Cu and 0.38% Zn.

Reconnaissance work by KGL identified additional prospects with notable mineralisation. For example, rock chip samples at Emily returned up to 22.2% Cu and 4.01% Zn, while soil samples at Dawn revealed copper and bismuth anomalies.

Geology

The geology is structurally complex, with folding, faulting, and geomagnetic domains. Prospects exhibit varied metal associations, indicative of a large mineralising system. These structural and lithological complexities suggest potential for significant undiscovered deposits.

Future Exploration

Recommended actions include detailed mapping, aeromagnetic surveys, and geochemical sampling to refine structural and lithological controls on mineralisation. A focus on structural intersections and fault offsets could yield promising targets.

Summary and Conclusion

The Yambah Project holds significant exploration potential due to its favourable geological setting and promising historical results. Key recommendations include:

1. For EL28340 (Bushy Park):
   • Conduct modern geophysical surveys (e.g., 3D IP, aeromagnetics).
   • Expand geochemical surveys to underexplored areas.
   • Investigate deeper extensions of Red Rock Bore mineralisation.
2. For EL28271 (Bald Hill):
   • Perform detailed geological mapping and structural analysis.
   • Focus on delineating mineralising systems around Emily and Dawn.
   • Employ targeted drilling guided by updated geophysical interpretations.

A coordinated exploration strategy, leveraging modern technologies and systematic fieldwork, is essential to unlocking the project’s full potential. Retaining these licenses while prioritising exploration at Jervois will position KGL to capitalise on Yambah’s resource opportunities.