Yallalong Drilling Yields 1m at 9% Sb Among 10m at 1.11% Sb Intercepts
Octava Minerals has reported promising high-grade antimony intercepts from its recent drilling at the Yallalong project, highlighting potential for further resource expansion along a key structural corridor.
- High-grade antimony intercepts up to 9% Sb over 1m
- 41 angled RC holes drilled totaling 2748m at Yallalong Discovery target
- Drilling tested ~300m strike and depth extensions of mineralisation
- Multiple antimony targets identified along structural corridor
- Next steps include refining exploration strategy and planning Phase 2 drilling
Strong Initial Drilling Results at Yallalong
Octava Minerals Limited (ASX: OCT) has delivered encouraging results from its maiden Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Discovery antimony target within the Yallalong project in Western Australia's mid-west region. The program, completed late last year, comprised 41 angled holes totaling 2748 metres, with 35 holes focused on the Discovery target and 6 probing the Central target.
The drilling intersected notable high-grade antimony mineralisation, including a standout 1 metre intercept grading 9% Sb from 18 metres depth, and broader zones such as 10 metres at 1.11% Sb from 12 metres. These results confirm and extend historical mineralisation over a strike length of approximately 300 metres, while also testing vertical extensions down to depths of 119 metres.
Geological Context and Exploration Challenges
The Yallalong project sits along a significant structural corridor associated with the Darling Fault, a major crustal suture that has historically hosted various mineral deposits. Octava's Managing Director, Bevan Wakelam, acknowledged the complexity of targeting structurally controlled mineralisation but expressed optimism about the high-grade intercepts achieved. The company is now analysing the data to refine its geological model and exploration approach.
Beyond the Discovery target, additional high-priority antimony prospects have been delineated following a detailed geophysical survey along the corridor, suggesting multiple opportunities for resource growth within the project area.
Technical Rigor and Next Steps
The drilling program employed industry-standard sampling and assay protocols, including handheld XRF screening and laboratory ICP-MS and XRF analyses, with rigorous quality control measures. The results have been verified by competent personnel, ensuring confidence in the reported grades and intercepts.
Looking ahead, Octava plans to integrate these findings into a revised exploration strategy, including geophysical targeting and a Phase 2 drilling program aimed at testing untested antimony and gold occurrences within the Yallalong tenements. This methodical approach underscores the company's commitment to advancing its new energy metals portfolio in Western Australia.
Bottom Line?
Octava’s promising high-grade antimony results at Yallalong set the stage for a pivotal next phase in exploration and resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Octava refine its geological model to better target structurally controlled antimony mineralisation?
- What are the timelines and scale planned for the Phase 2 drilling program at Yallalong?
- Could these initial results translate into a viable resource estimate and eventual development?
