DevEx Resources—Kilometre-scale pathfinder anomalies emerge at Murphy West, NT - A Developing Uranium Story.
- Noel Ong
- 6 hours ago
- 5 min read
Announcement
DevEx Resources Limited (ASX: DEV) has put a clear frame around the Murphy West story: first-pass soils are lighting up kilometre-scale, multi-element pathfinder halos across radiometric and structural targets on the southern margin of the McArthur Basin (Figure 1), echoing the Junnagunna orientation model where Pb–Cu–Be mark buried uranium. The update is methodical—boots-on-ground sampling to tighten anomalies now, drill permitting underway, and a defined catalyst window with shallow multi-target drilling flagged for the 2026 field season.
Figure 1: DevEx’s NT Uranium Projects surrounding the uranium-endowed margin of the McArthur Basin (source: DEV)
DevEx Managing Director, Todd Ross, commented:
“These early results have already highlighted several exciting large-scale uranium targets, analogous to both the Westmoreland and Alligator River uranium deposits, for further follow-up. As results continue to be received, and our targeting confidence builds, we look forward to transitioning to our first phase of drilling at Murphy West. “DevEx has a dominant footprint in the McArthur Basin – which has strong geological similarities to the world-class Athabasca Basin in Canada – home to some of the world’s biggest uranium mines. Between our district-scale Murphy West Project and advanced Nabarlek Project we are continuing to advance towards our goal of making a company-changing uranium discovery in Northern Australia.”
Highlights - The Developing Uranium Story.
First-pass surface geochemistry at Murphy West has outlined several kilometre-scale multi-element anomalies coincident with radiometric/structural targets defined by 2024 airborne surveys.
>650 soil samples collected; ~450 assays received so far, with results continuing to arrive as follow-up sampling expands priority targets.
Pathfinder suite (Pb–Cu–Be) observed in soils above target areas, analogous to geochemical responses over the Junnagunna uranium deposit at Westmoreland (Laramide Resources Limited’s (ASX: LAM).
Drill permit applications are being prepared; shallow multi-target drilling scheduled to commence ~April 2026 (start of the 2026 field season).
The McArthur Basin—DevEx’s broader focus area—is considered highly prospective for large-scale unconformity-type uranium systems and is compared with the Athabasca Basin (Canada) in terms of endowment potential.
Geology & Target Model in Brief
The targets sit on-strike with the same stratigraphy that hosts major uranium to the east—most notably Laramide’s Westmoreland deposit in Queensland (65.8 Mlbs U₃O₈; see Figure 2)— supporting geological continuity and prospectivity along the southern margin of the McArthur Basin. Murphy West is testing both:
1. Unconformity-style targets near the Westmoreland Conglomerate unconformity, commonly associated with magnetic features; and
2. Westmoreland-style targets within or overlying the Westmoreland Conglomerate, locally influenced by favourable fault offsets. Airborne work (2024) and first-pass soils have outlined multiple, large priority anomalies—up to ~2 km—now being ground-truthed.
Figure 2: Murphy West — field investigations testing airborne radiometric anomalies. (source: DEV)
What’s new on the ground?
DevEx is executing a methodical, boots-on-ground soil program to test radiometric and magnetic anomalies generated by the 2024 airborne survey. Priority anomalies overlie flat terrains masked by surficial regolith/transported cover (Figure 3), making soil geochemistry an effective vectoring tool where radiometric signatures can be subdued.
Figure 3: Area G — first-pass soil geochemistry showing kilometre-scale pathfinder anomalies with radiometric/structural targets. (source: DEV)
Early results show coincident pathfinder responses aligning with the company’s target models (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Area A — first-pass soil geochemistry with similar pathfinder footprints. (source: DEV)
Why the pathfinders matter (Junnagunna analogue)?
DevEx completed an orientation soil/vegetation survey at Junnagunna (with Laramide’s support), demonstrating that although U is not anomalous in surface soils, a characteristic pathfinder halo (including Pb, Cu, Be) reliably marks buried uranium (Figure 5) beneath Siegal Volcanics and surficial cover. The same pathfinder response is now observed at Murphy West over select targets, strengthening the analogue.
Figure 5: Orientation soil geochemistry at Junnagunna pinpointing mineralisation with pathfinders (source: DEV)
Taken together, the orientation work supports a covered-uranium model where pathfinder halos vector to mineralisation beneath transported cover (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Junnagunna summary cross section (Polito & Kyser, 2005). (source: DEV)
Next steps & timeline
October–November 2025: Additional surface sampling to expand the coincident targets; receipt of remaining assays and integrated review.
Regulatory: Drill permit applications being prepared for multiple target areas.
Field Season 2026 (~April start): Shallow, multi-target drill program to test the highest-priority anomalies.
Samso Concluding Comments
Murphy West is shaping up to be an interesting proposition for DEV. First-pass soils are mapping out kilometre-scale pathfinder footprints over radiometric and structural targets along the McArthur margin, and the Junnagunna orientation work gives the model teeth: Pb–Cu–Be can light the way where uranium itself won’t show at surface. That’s the kind of signal you want in covered terrain.
For me, the near-term work is all about completing the soil coverage, tightening the anomaly geometries, and converting the best footprints into permitted collars. Management is indicating a window in the 2026 field season for shallow, multi-target drilling, while near-term catalysts are additional assays, refined target maps, and permitting updates.
This is a uranium play and its early stage of exploration. Investors or potential investors need to consider the timeline is not short. With the market being so hot in gold, this will be interesting as narratives are pointing to favourable market expectations for uranium stories in 2026.
The Samso Way – Seek the Research
Follow the data, verify the sources, and let evidence—not hype—shape your investment view.
Our mission is simple: cut through the noise and spotlight what matters—genuine stories, grounded insights, and real opportunity.
Our content is well-researched and is only created if the team sees a merit in discussing the company or concept. Investors can explore our three core platforms:
There may be numerous paths to success in investing, but the common thread among successful individuals is that they remain committed to making informed decisions. Equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools, and you will be well on your way to achieving your financial goals.
Most importantly, investors need to be absolutely diligent in understanding their own risk-reward tolerance and capabilities. Never bite off more than you can chew. As they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and the Great Wall stood because it took centuries to complete.
The Samso Philosophy:
Stay curious. Stay sharp. And remember—digging deeper always uncovers the real value.
In Life, there is no such thing as a Free Lunch.
Happy Investing, and the only four-letter word you need to know is DYOR.
To support our independent nature of our work, please head over to our Support Page and give us a helping hand in any of the ways listed. This is a new initiate for the Samso Platform, and it was always the concept of Samso when we started this journey in 2018.
Disclaimer
The information or opinions provided herein do not constitute investment advice, an offer or solicitation to subscribe for, purchase or sell the investment product(s) mentioned herein. It does not take into consideration, nor have any regard to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, risk profile, tax position and particular, or unique needs and constraints.
Share to Grow: Your Bonus
Samso has just released an eBook: How to Add Value to your Share Portfolio
A lesson on geological models sought by mining companies that gives insight and an understanding of which portfolios are better - and potentially more lucrative – investments. Click here to download this eBook.
If you find this article informative and useful, please help me share the information. I try and write about topics that are interesting and have the potential to be of investment value. It is not easy to find stories that fit those parameters. If you or your organisation see the benefit of what Samso is trying to achieve and have a need to share your journey, please contact me at noel.ong@samso.com.au.
Samso is a trusted platform that equips dedicated investors with up-to-date industry knowledge and insights from top CEOs and thought leaders. By staying informed on business advancements and market trends, investors can enhance their financial decisions through a combination of expert guidance and their own research.
Comments