High-Grade Niobium Assays at Luni Raise Stakes for WA1’s Development Plans

Exceptional Drilling Results at Luni

WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) has announced a new tranche of assay results from its resource definition drilling at the Luni niobium deposit, part of the West Arunta Project in Western Australia. The results include some of the highest-grade niobium intercepts recorded to date, with grades reaching up to 12.7% Nb2O5 over 11.3 metres. These findings reinforce the deposit’s potential as a significant source of niobium, a critical metal used in steel alloys and emerging technologies.

Alongside niobium, the drilling has also revealed notable concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), including an 11.3-metre interval grading 4.0% total rare earth oxides (TREO). This multi-commodity potential could add considerable value to WA1’s development plans, although further work is needed to fully assess the economic significance of the REE mineralisation.

Supporting an Updated Mineral Resource Estimate

All assay results from the 2024 drilling campaign have now been received, providing a comprehensive dataset to underpin an updated Mineral Resource estimate scheduled for completion in June 2025. WA1 is aiming to establish a maiden Indicated Mineral Resource component, which would represent a critical milestone in advancing the project towards pre-development and feasibility stages.

The drilling program has been extensive, with over 60,000 metres completed at Luni since discovery. Current activities involve three drill rigs focusing on resource definition, geotechnical assessments, hydrogeological studies, and sterilisation drilling to support future site layout and permitting efforts. This multi-disciplinary approach reflects WA1’s commitment to thorough project evaluation and risk mitigation.

Geological Insights and Future Exploration

The Luni deposit’s mineralisation is primarily hosted within a weathered carbonatite body, with high-grade niobium zones exhibiting sub-horizontal orientations. While the oxide-enriched weathered zone has been well delineated, the potential for deeper primary mineralisation remains largely untested and is a focus for upcoming drilling campaigns.

WA1’s Managing Director, Paul Savich, highlighted the significance of these results, noting that the southern and western zones of Luni are delivering some of the best intercepts seen to date. He emphasized the company’s ongoing efforts to integrate drilling data with metallurgical testing, environmental permitting, and community engagement to build a robust foundation for project development.

Community and Environmental Considerations

WA1 continues to foster strong relationships with Traditional Owner groups and local communities, involving ranger groups in on-country activities and supporting community initiatives. Concurrently, the company is advancing critical environmental studies, including hydrogeology and geotechnical assessments, to ensure sustainable and responsible project progression.