Vita Resources NL (ASX:VTA) has lodged a revised Tū Łidlini Assessment Process (TAP) application with the Ross River Dena Council (RRDC) seeking consent for a Class 1 exploration programme at its ICE Polymetallic Project in Yukon, Canada, with field activities targeted for the 2027 Yukon exploration season.

Key Points

  • Revised TAP application submitted to RRDC in November 2026, seeking consent for Class 1 exploration at the ICE Polymetallic Project in Yukon, Canada
  • RRDC has indicated willingness to consider lower-impact activities including geophysical surveys, soil geochemistry, geological mapping and prospecting; no drilling is proposed under the revised application
  • The ICE Project has 10,584 metres of historical drilling across 121 diamond drill holes, with 116 holes concentrated within an area of approximately 600 metres by 400 metres
  • The Yukon Government has granted a five-year Class 3 Quartz Mining Land Use Approval (LQ00620), effective until 6 October 2031
  • Previous investigations have identified 11 priority exploration targets beyond the established resource, including untested electromagnetic conductors

Revised TAP Application and RRDC Engagement

The revised TAP application follows discussions between Vita Resources and the RRDC, during which the council indicated it would consider a lower-impact, multi-year Class 1 exploration programme incorporating provisions for reassessment as regional land-use investigations progress. RRDC has advised that consent for higher-impact Class 3 exploration activities is not presently available while regional land-use and protected-area feasibility investigations remain ongoing. The company noted that the Yukon Government approval and RRDC consent are separate processes. The proposed programme includes ground-based geophysical surveys, soil geochemical sampling, geological mapping and prospecting, and potential airborne or drone-supported geophysical surveys where appropriate.

Historical Drilling and Exploration Targets at ICE Project

Historical exploration at the ICE Project comprised 121 diamond drill holes totalling 10,584 metres, with an average drilled length of approximately 87.5 metres per hole. Of those holes, 116 were drilled within an area measuring approximately 600 metres by 400 metres. According to the filing, the drilling has tested less than 1% of the ICE Project area. Previous geological, geophysical and geochemical investigations have identified 11 priority exploration targets beyond the established resource, including untested electromagnetic conductors. The ICE Project holds a copper JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate and encompasses potential for copper, gold, cobalt, silver and indium.

2027 Field Season Programme Design

The draft TAP application proposes establishing a field camp near the historical ICE camp in late May 2027, using helicopter-supported logistics and existing access trails where practicable. Vita is also evaluating an expanded electromagnetic survey at the ICE Project, using either airborne or ground-based methods. The filing states that detailed programme design, contractor engagement and expenditure commitments will depend on the scope of activities consented to by RRDC, seasonal access considerations and available funding. Chairman Gavin Rutherford said the company welcomed RRDC's willingness to consider geophysical, geochemical and other lower-impact exploration activities, and that future drilling would be supported by the best geological, geophysical and geochemical information available.