Trigg’s Utah Antimony Bet Faces JORC Validation and Regulatory Tests

Strategic Acquisition in a Tier-One Jurisdiction

Trigg Minerals Limited has taken a significant step forward in its critical minerals ambitions by acquiring 49 unpatented lode mining claims that constitute the Antimony Canyon Project in Garfield County, Utah. This acquisition positions Trigg at the forefront of antimony exploration in the United States, a country increasingly focused on securing domestic sources of critical minerals.

Utah is recognised as the world’s top-ranked mining investment jurisdiction, according to the Fraser Institute Survey, making this project not only geologically promising but also strategically located within a supportive regulatory environment. The Antimony Canyon Project is currently the largest and highest-grade antimony project in the USA, with a historic foreign resource estimate of 12.7 million metric tonnes grading 0.79% antimony, equating to over 100,000 tonnes of contained antimony metal.

Historic Resource and Exploration Upside

The resource estimate, originally compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in the 1940s and later summarised by the Utah Geological and Mineral Survey in 1975, is based on extensive trenching and sampling across several historically productive mines within the canyon, including the Emma, Mammoth, and Nevada mines. These mines have demonstrated high-grade mineralisation zones, some exceeding 2% antimony, which is significant for this critical mineral.

While the historic resource is not compliant with the modern JORC Code standards, it provides a robust foundation for Trigg’s planned exploration program. The company intends to rapidly validate and upgrade this resource through detailed geological mapping, geochemical sampling, geophysical surveys, and drilling. This work aims to deliver a JORC 2012-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate, which will be a key milestone in unlocking the project’s value.

Complementing Existing Assets and Growth Strategy

The acquisition complements Trigg’s existing Wild Cattle Creek Deposit in New South Wales, Australia, expanding its footprint across tier-one jurisdictions and reinforcing its commitment to becoming a meaningful domestic supplier of antimony. Antimony is a critical mineral with growing demand due to its applications in flame retardants, batteries, and other industrial uses, making supply security a strategic priority for North America.

Trigg’s Managing Director, Andre Booyzen, highlighted the strategic importance of the acquisition, noting the project’s attractive characteristics, including its historical estimates, clear pathway to JORC compliance, and location within a supportive mining jurisdiction. The company’s recent listing on the OTC market in the United States further enhances its visibility and accessibility to North American investors, aligning with its regional growth objectives.

Acquisition Terms and Next Steps

The acquisition was structured through the purchase of 100% of the shares in Monomatapa Investments Inc, a U.S. subsidiary of EV Resources Limited, which holds the mining claims. Consideration includes an upfront cash payment of AU$225,000, an equal value in Trigg shares issued at completion, and deferred payments of AU$450,000 payable in cash or shares upon the announcement of a JORC-compliant resource within four years.

Trigg plans to commence exploration activities in 2025, subject to necessary federal land management approvals. The exploration program will focus on confirming and expanding the historical resource, with the ultimate goal of advancing the project towards development and production.

Balancing Opportunity with Caution

While the historic resource estimate is compelling, it is important to note that it is based on data collected over 70 years ago and does not meet current reporting standards. Trigg acknowledges the need for extensive verification and modern exploration to confirm the resource’s economic viability. Additionally, exploration on federal lands requires coordination with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, which may influence project timelines.

Nonetheless, the acquisition marks a pivotal moment for Trigg Minerals as it seeks to capitalize on the growing demand for antimony and strengthen supply chains in North America. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing the company’s progress in validating this substantial resource and advancing its critical minerals portfolio.