Anson Launches Western Block Drilling to Upgrade Utah Uranium Resource to JORC
Anson launches Western Block drilling to upgrade Yellow Cat uranium and vanadium resource
Anson Resources (ASX: ASN), via its 100%-owned subsidiary UV1 Minerals LLC, will commence the Western Block drilling program at its Yellow Cat Uranium and Vanadium Project in south-western Utah, USA. The program aims to upgrade the project’s historical resource to 2012 JORC standards. Eastern Block drilling was completed in April 2026, with assay results pending, whilst the Western Block represents the next phase of the resource-upgrade strategy.
Program highlights at a glance
- Western Block program to upgrade uranium and vanadium historical resource to 2012 JORC standards
- Twinning of 3–5 known historical drill holes to confirm historical intersections and assays
- Additional drill holes to increase the size of known ore blocks
- Drilling to commence once environmental and cultural surveys are complete and drill permit obtained
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Inside the Western Block program — twinning proven holes
The Western Block focuses on Anson’s claims in south-western Utah where mining has not previously been conducted. The program will use cost reverse circulation (RC) drilling to twin 3 to 5 historic drill holes, confirming previous historical intercepts and high-grade ore bodies mapped across the western area of the property.
The confirmatory holes target locations with known grade and thickness intercepts, providing a de-risked approach to resource validation. These confirmation holes will be drilled deeper and under the water table compared to the completed Eastern Block program.
| Hole ID | Depth (ft) | Interval (ft) | U3O8 (%) | V2O5 (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 980 | 455 | 1.7 / 2.1 | 0.33 / 0.44 | – / 3.03 |
| 67-8 | 393 | 3.0 | 0.27 | 1.84 |
| 76-22 | 443 | 0.7 / 6.5 | 0.09 / 0.22 | – / 2.2 |
| 975 | 477.5 | 4.2 | 0.68 | 0.77 |
| 67-3 | 459 | 1.5 | 0.37 | 1.09 |
| MC-71-75 | 393 | 4.5 | 0.61 | – |
Why uranium and vanadium matter — the investment context
Uranium and vanadium deposits at Yellow Cat are hosted in sandstone paleo-stream channels of the Morrison Formation. These thick, narrow sandstone belts represent locations of major ancient stream channels, creating high-permeability zones that allowed metal-bearing groundwater to flow. When this groundwater intersected buried organic material in localised “reducing” environments, uranium and vanadium precipitated out, coating quartz grains and replacing fossilised organic material.
The nature of these deposits means grade can be spotty and discontinuous, varying both vertically and horizontally. This geological characteristic underscores the importance of confirmatory twinning to validate historical intercepts and de-risk resource estimation.
US government policy is driving domestic production of uranium and vanadium, with demand expected to grow in the mid-term. The pace of development for these minerals is controlled by political considerations rather than price, according to the company. A JORC-compliant resource increases project value and provides development and financing options, positioning Anson to move quickly into production when policy support materialises.
The company expects that completion of the drilling program will position Anson as a project that can be quickly brought into production, providing greater shareholder value when government policy focuses on uranium and vanadium domestic production.
The company has taken a cautious approach to investment in the project, watching closely for changes in government policy that support its development.
Timeline and next steps
The pathway to drilling follows a clear regulatory approval sequence, with near-term catalysts expected through Q3 and early Q4 2026. Assay results from the completed Eastern Block drilling are pending due to laboratory backlogs caused by high levels of interest in uranium mining across the sector, a positive signal for demand.
Pathway to Western Block drilling:
- Environmental and cultural surveys — quotes received, expected complete Q3 2026
- Notice of Intent submitted to Bureau of Land Management and Utah Department of Oil and Gas
- Permit consideration and approval expected Q3 2026
- Drilling bond agreed and paid prior to commencement
- Western Block drilling expected complete early Q4 2026
A subsequent program will target resource growth in open ground between and around historical holes. The company has identified five target extension areas:
- Open ground between drill holes MC-69-51 and MC-70-56 to the north, and drill hole C-72-85 to the south through the mesa rim boundary
- North and northwest of drill hole MC-71-73
- East of drill holes 70-61 and 70-58
- East and northeast of drill hole 76-31
- East of drill hole 76-32
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What it means for Anson shareholders
Yellow Cat sits alongside Anson’s core Green River and Paradox Lithium assets in Utah, USA. The resource-upgrade pathway creates optionality aligned with US critical-minerals demand, building project value through a staged, methodical approach to JORC compliance and potential development.
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