Tungsten Mining Nears Maiden Resource at Hatches Creek, Advances Mt Mulgine
Tungsten Mining NL has made significant strides in developing its Mt Mulgine and Hatches Creek projects, with a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Hatches Creek expected soon and key environmental approvals progressing.
- Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Hatches Creek nearing completion
- Mt Mulgine project advancing environmental approvals and metallurgical testwork
- Completed 6,803m drilling program confirming tungsten mineralisation continuity at Hatches Creek
- Mining license and management plan applications lodged for Hatches Creek
- Big Hill and Kilba projects discontinued post-quarter
Progress at Hatches Creek
Tungsten Mining NL (ASX: TGN) is closing in on a pivotal milestone with the imminent completion of its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the Hatches Creek Project in the Northern Territory. Following a comprehensive drilling campaign of 65 holes totaling 6,803 metres, the company has confirmed the continuity of tungsten mineralisation across multiple prospects including Hit or Miss, Treasure, Green Diamond, Black Diamond, and Bonanza.
The drilling results have revealed promising intersections, such as 17 metres at 0.43% WO3 at Hit or Miss and 5 metres at 2.05% WO3 at Treasure, underscoring the project's potential. The MRE, being prepared by Cube Consulting, is expected to be reported early in the June quarter and will underpin a scoping study aimed at evaluating early production pathways.
Regulatory Advances and Approvals
In parallel with resource development, Tungsten Mining has made significant regulatory progress. The company lodged a Mining Management Plan (MMP) with the Northern Territory's Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security, and a Mining License application with the Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade. These steps are critical for securing the environmental and operational approvals necessary to advance mining activities.
Engagement with key stakeholders, including the Central Land Council to negotiate mining agreements with Aboriginal landowners, is underway. Environmental baseline studies, including fauna surveys, are planned to support the approvals process, reflecting a methodical approach to sustainable development.
Mt Mulgine Project Development
Meanwhile, at the Mt Mulgine Project in Western Australia, Tungsten Mining continues to advance environmental approvals in preparation for a formal EPA Referral. The company has extended its $1 million Federal Critical Minerals grant to March 2026, enabling further metallurgical variability testwork. Initial metallurgical results from oxide gold zones in the Mulgine Trench show encouraging gold recovery potential, adding a valuable dimension to the project’s resource base.
Stakeholder engagement and environmental study scoping are ongoing, with preparations for further resource drilling underway. The combined Mineral Resource Estimate at Mt Mulgine stands at 259 million tonnes grading 0.11% WO3, alongside molybdenum, gold, silver, and copper credits, positioning it as a significant polymetallic asset.
Portfolio Rationalisation and Financial Position
Post-quarter, Tungsten Mining made the strategic decision to discontinue activities at the Big Hill and Kilba projects in Western Australia, surrendering the associated tenements. This move allows the company to focus resources on its core assets at Mt Mulgine and Hatches Creek.
Financially, the company ended the March quarter with a cash balance of $3.1 million and incurred $0.45 million in exploration and evaluation expenditure. The careful management of funds, alongside the extension of government grants, supports ongoing development activities.
Outlook
Tungsten Mining’s progress at Hatches Creek and Mt Mulgine reflects a disciplined advancement of its tungsten and critical minerals portfolio. The upcoming maiden MRE at Hatches Creek and the progression of environmental approvals at both projects will be key catalysts. With tungsten’s strategic importance rising globally, these developments position the company to potentially capitalize on growing demand for this critical metal.
Bottom Line?
As Tungsten Mining approaches key resource and regulatory milestones, market eyes will focus on how swiftly it can translate these into production-ready assets.
Questions in the middle?
- When exactly will the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Hatches Creek be released and what size will it report?
- How will the EPA Referral process at Mt Mulgine impact the project timeline and development costs?
- What are the company’s plans to finance development beyond current cash reserves and government grants?