Stellar Resources is expanding its drilling program at the Heemskirk Tin Project following strong high-grade tin results, aiming to significantly grow its mineral resource and advance project development.
- Near completion of initial 24-hole diamond drilling campaign
- High-grade tin intersections at Queen Hill and Severn deposits
- Board approves additional 5 holes (2,500m) to extend drilling
- Updated resource estimates expected in Q3 and Q4 2025
- Prefeasibility study progressing with ore sorting and environmental work
Drilling Momentum Builds at Heemskirk
Stellar Resources Limited (ASX, SRZ) is nearing the completion of a significant diamond drilling campaign at its Heemskirk Tin Project in Western Tasmania. The initial program, comprising 24 holes totaling approximately 9,500 metres, has focused on infill and extension drilling to enhance the 2023 Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). Encouraged by the positive results, the company has swiftly moved to extend the program with an additional five holes and wedges, adding 2,500 metres of drilling.
High-Grade Intersections Signal Resource Growth
Recent drilling at the Queen Hill and Severn deposits has intersected high-grade tin mineralisation beyond previously defined resource boundaries. Notably, drill hole ZS187 at Severn reached a depth of 648 metres, targeting mineralisation 100 metres below earlier drilling. The immediate decision to wedge off this hole to test surrounding zones underscores the company's growing geological confidence. Historic and recent assay highlights include intervals such as 17.0 metres at 1.79% tin and 20.9 metres at 1.97% tin, reinforcing the potential for resource expansion.
Advancing Towards Development Readiness
Stellar is progressing its prefeasibility study (PFS) in parallel with drilling activities. Key workstreams include ore sorting trials at Tomra’s facility in New South Wales, metallurgical testing supervised by Worley-Parsons, and initial engineering and environmental baseline studies. These efforts aim to optimize the project’s economics and support a robust development pathway. The company targets producing 3,000 to 3,500 tonnes per annum of payable tin, positioning Heemskirk as a significant contributor to global supply.
Long-Life Potential Inspired by Renison
Stellar draws parallels with the nearby Renison Tin Mine, which began with modest reserves in 1968 but has sustained operations for over 50 years. This comparison highlights the potential longevity of the Heemskirk project, especially as ongoing drilling continues to expand and upgrade the resource base. Updated resource estimates for Queen Hill and Severn are anticipated in the third and fourth quarters of 2025, respectively, with timelines subject to change based on drilling success.
Strategic Outlook
With the Board’s approval to extend drilling and the steady progress of prefeasibility activities, Stellar Resources is positioning Heemskirk for a transition from exploration to development. The company’s methodical approach to resource growth, combined with technological advances in ore sorting and metallurgy, could enhance project viability and market appeal. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting assay results from the extended drilling and the forthcoming resource updates.
Bottom Line?
Stellar’s drilling success at Heemskirk sets the stage for a potentially transformative tin project with long-term growth prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the additional drilling impact the classification and size of the Mineral Resource?
- What are the expected timelines and outcomes for the prefeasibility study and environmental approvals?
- Can Stellar replicate Renison’s long-life mine success with Heemskirk’s resource expansion?