Iltani Resources continues to impress with broad, high-grade silver and base metals intersections from its Orient West drilling program in Queensland, setting the stage for a significant JORC Resource estimate.
- Multiple wide, high-grade silver equivalent intercepts from drillholes ORR078 to ORR085
- Outstanding grades up to 1478.3 g/t silver equivalent recorded
- Drilling confirms continuity of mineralisation at shallow depths suitable for open pit mining
- Potential for underground mining indicated by deeper high-grade zones
- Orient West JORC Resource estimate targeted by end of July 2025; Orient East resource expected by September
Strong Results from Orient West Drilling
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX – ILT) has released compelling assay results from its recent reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Orient West segment of its flagship Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland. The latest batch of drillholes, numbered ORR078 through ORR085, delivered multiple broad intersections of high-grade silver and base metals mineralisation, reinforcing the project's status as Australia's premier silver-indium discovery.
Among the standout results are exceptional one-meter intercepts grading 1334.8 g/t and 1478.3 g/t silver equivalent, recorded in drillholes ORR082 and ORR084 respectively. These figures underscore the richness of the deposit and the potential economic viability of mining operations.
Continuity and Mining Potential
The drilling program was designed to infill the high-grade core area of Orient West, covering approximately 900 by 350 meters. The results demonstrate strong continuity of mineralisation both along strike and at depth, with many mineralised zones occurring at shallow depths conducive to open pit mining. Notably, deeper high-grade zones intercepted in ORR078 and other holes suggest promising targets for future underground mining development.
These findings follow earlier drilling phases that established an Exploration Target of 74 to 100 million tonnes at 55 to 65 g/t silver equivalent, including a high-grade core lens estimated at 20 to 24 million tonnes at 110 to 120 g/t silver equivalent. The current infill drilling aims to convert this target into a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate, expected by the end of July 2025.
Next Steps and Broader Exploration
With the completion of the Orient West infill drilling, Iltani is now progressing assays for the remaining drillholes and two diamond holes to refine the resource model. Concurrently, the company has commenced infill drilling at Orient East, with a resource estimate anticipated in September 2025. Additionally, recent geophysical surveys have identified new targets along the Orient system, which Iltani plans to test following the resource definition phase.
Managing Director Donald Garner expressed enthusiasm about the results, highlighting the validation of Orient as Australia's largest and highest-grade silver-indium deposit. He emphasized the company's strategic approach to systematically expand and upgrade the resource base, leveraging both drilling and geophysical data.
Context Within Iltani's Portfolio
The Orient Silver-Indium Project is a cornerstone of Iltani's portfolio, which also includes base metal projects in Queensland and Tasmania. The company is focused on critical minerals essential for a low-emission future, positioning itself in a sector of growing strategic importance. The ongoing exploration success at Orient West and East is pivotal to Iltani's growth trajectory and market positioning.
Bottom Line?
As Iltani advances towards its first JORC Resource at Orient West, the market awaits confirmation of the deposit's scale and economic potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the final JORC Resource estimate reveal about the total tonnage and grade at Orient West?
- How will metallurgical recoveries and processing costs impact the project's feasibility?
- What potential do the newly identified geophysical targets hold for expanding the resource base?