Encounter Resources Unveils Extensive High-Grade Niobium Zones at Green

Significant Niobium Mineralisation Confirmed at Green

Encounter Resources Limited has announced compelling results from its recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Green carbonatite complex, part of the Aileron project in Western Australia's West Arunta region. The assays reveal two extensive zones of continuous high-grade niobium mineralisation, notably over 800 metres of strike at Green Central and more than 400 metres at Green South-West.

Key intercepts include 30 metres at 2.0% Nb2O5 within a broader 107-metre zone at 1.1% Nb2O5 at Green Central, alongside similarly robust results such as 41 metres at 1.8% Nb2O5 and 17 metres at 2.1% Nb2O5. At Green South-West, standout results include 22 metres at 3.3% Nb2O5 and 24 metres at 2.0% Nb2O5, underscoring the prospect's high-grade potential.

Implications for Resource Development and Mining

These assay results mark a significant milestone for Encounter Resources, demonstrating the presence of substantial high-grade niobium mineralisation that supports accelerated resource definition drilling. Executive Chairman Will Robinson highlighted the abundant mineralisation discovered since the reconnaissance aircore drilling began in mid-2024, emphasizing plans to intensify drilling efforts and initiate mining studies at Green, Crean, and Emily in 2025.

The mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth, suggesting further drilling could expand the known zones. This potential for resource growth is critical as niobium is a strategic metal with applications in steel alloys and emerging technologies, making the Green project a promising asset in the critical minerals sector.

Context Within Global Niobium Supply

The Green carbonatite complex's scale and grade draw parallels to the Boa Vista niobium deposit in Brazil, which produces a significant share of the global ferroniobium market. Encounter's discovery, while early-stage, indicates the potential for a deposit of global relevance, given the continuity and grade of mineralisation intersected so far.

Next Steps and Broader Exploration Strategy

Following over 50,000 metres of drilling in 2024, Encounter is preparing for an active 2025 field season. This will include infill RC drilling to support a maiden resource estimate, alongside environmental, hydrogeological, geotechnical, and metallurgical studies to underpin future mining and approvals processes. Additionally, the company plans to test several high-priority exploration targets with rapid, cost-effective aircore drilling, signaling a broad and systematic approach to resource expansion.

Encounter's methodical sampling, rigorous quality control, and detailed geological logging provide a strong foundation for advancing the Green project. While true widths of mineralisation are yet to be confirmed, the consistent high-grade intersections and open-ended zones offer a compelling case for continued investment and exploration.