S2 Resources Ltd. has signed a heritage protection agreement (HPA) with Wajarri Yamaji people, which clears the way for the first systematic gold exploration of a massive, untapped shear zone.
The agreement is a pivotal milestone for the Jillewarra JV Project, effectively clearing the path for the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration to grant two key exploration licences (ELAs).
Approval is expected within the next two months, ending a period of negotiation and allowing the company to move on to the next phase of its earn-in agreement. The Wajarri Yamaji people are the traditional owners of the Jillewarra area.
The licences cover a 35-kilometre strike of the Karbah shear zone, a geological structure that remains almost entirely undercover and unexplored.
Despite the lack of historical activity, expectations are high; the zone is interpreted as the local expression of the same regional structure hosting world-class assets further south, including Westgold’s 2.4-million-ounce Big Bell mine and Ramelius Resources’ 2.9-million-ounce Dalgaranga operations.
This agreement is the key that unlocks the project, with the company noting that planning for heritage surveys will begin immediately to ensure boots are on the ground the moment the titles are formalised.
Once granted, S2 plans to launch a 30,000-metre reconnaissance aircore drilling program. This initial pass will use widely spaced traverses to identify gold and pathfinder elements across the extensive 35-kilometre strike.
The HPA is also expected to serve as a blueprint for S2’s adjacent ground to the north. If successful, this would extend the company’s reach to a total of 60 kilometres along the prospective structure.
S2 entered into a binding agreement with Black Raven Mining in 2020 to earn a majority interest in the Jillewarra project.
Under the terms of the farm-in, S2 must spend AU$5 million by October 2026 to earn a 51 per cent interest.
With AU$3.3 million already invested, the company anticipates the upcoming drilling blitz will comfortably meet the remaining expenditure requirements.