Wildcat Resources has delivered a landmark Mineral Resource Estimate for its Tabba Tabba Lithium Project, positioning it as a major player in Australia’s lithium sector with a high-confidence 74.1Mt resource at 1.0% Li2O.
- Tabba Tabba Lithium Project hosts 74.1Mt at 1.0% Li2O, 94% Indicated category
- Tantalum resource tonnage increased 278% to 1.2Mt at 482ppm Ta2O5
- James Dornan appointed General Manager of Project Development
- Strong cash position of $63.6 million as of December 2024
- Extensive Pilbara landholding expanded to over 1,390km2
A Defining Milestone for Wildcat Resources
Wildcat Resources Limited (ASX: WC8) has announced a significant breakthrough in its lithium exploration journey with the delivery of Australia’s largest undeveloped public lithium Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at its Tabba Tabba Lithium Project in Western Australia. The maiden MRE, released in late 2024, quantifies a substantial 74.1 million tonnes at 1.0% lithium oxide (Li2O), with an impressive 94% of this resource classified in the high-confidence Indicated category.
This milestone underscores Wildcat’s rapid advancement from discovery to development within just 18 months of drilling commencement, highlighting the company’s operational efficiency and technical capability in a highly competitive lithium sector.
Resource Highlights and Geological Strengths
The Tabba Tabba project’s resource is anchored by the giant Leia pegmatite, which alone accounts for 63% of the mineralised material and boasts a remarkable thickness exceeding 100 meters. Mineralisation begins at surface, offering potential for open-pit mining with bulk-tonnage economics. The Luke pegmatite contributes a further 22% of the resource, with additional mineralisation from Chewy, The Hutt, and Han pegmatites enhancing the overall resource profile.
Wildcat’s metallurgical test work has demonstrated lithium recoveries between 79% and 84%, producing a high-quality spodumene concentrate with low iron content, which bodes well for downstream processing and market acceptance.
Tantalum Resource Expansion and Strategic Appointments
Alongside lithium, Wildcat has significantly expanded its tantalum resource at Tabba Tabba, with tonnage increasing by 278% to 1.2 million tonnes at 482ppm Ta2O5. This diversification adds strategic value to the project, given tantalum’s critical role in electronics and emerging technologies.
Complementing these technical achievements, Wildcat appointed James Dornan as General Manager of Project Development. Dornan brings valuable experience from his instrumental role in advancing Azure Minerals’ Andover Lithium Project, which was sold for A$1.7 billion, signaling Wildcat’s intent to fast-track Tabba Tabba’s development pathway.
Robust Financial Position and Expanding Footprint
Wildcat’s financial health remains strong with $63.6 million in cash reserves as of December 31, 2024, providing a solid runway to fund ongoing exploration, development studies, and pre-feasibility work. The company’s Pilbara land package now exceeds 1,390 square kilometers, encompassing the Bolt Cutter Project and other prospective tenements, positioning Wildcat well for organic growth and further resource discoveries.
Looking Ahead: Pre-Feasibility and Exploration Momentum
With the MRE as a foundation, Wildcat is advancing its Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) at Tabba Tabba, focusing on mining engineering, process design, and infrastructure assessments. The granting of a General Purpose Lease near the project site facilitates the development of critical infrastructure such as processing facilities and tailings storage.
Exploration continues aggressively across the Bolt Cutter and Mt Adrah projects, with new tenement applications and regional target generation underway. The company’s strategic approach combines resource expansion with rigorous development planning, aiming to unlock value swiftly in a market hungry for secure lithium supply.
Bottom Line?
Wildcat’s delivery of a high-confidence lithium resource and strategic leadership appointments set the stage for a pivotal development phase, with market eyes on the upcoming pre-feasibility outcomes.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Wildcat’s metallurgical test work evolve in Phase 2 and impact project economics?
- What timeline is anticipated for the maiden Ore Reserve estimate following the PFS?
- How might Wildcat leverage its expanded Bolt Cutter landholding for near-term resource growth?