How Did Iltani Hit Up to 1838 g/t Silver Equivalent at Orient West?

Diamond Drilling Success at Orient West

Iltani Resources Limited (ASX:ILT) has reported outstanding results from its recent diamond drilling program at the Orient West segment of its flagship Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland. Two diamond drillholes, ORD002 and ORD003, have intersected multiple zones of exceptionally high-grade silver-indium mineralisation, with silver equivalent grades reaching as high as 1838.4 g/t. These results come from a JORC infill drilling program designed to refine the understanding of the deposit's high-grade core.

Validating Australia’s Largest Silver-Indium Deposit

The drillholes confirmed the continuity of broad mineralised veins and high-grade zones both along strike and at depth, with mineralisation remaining open for further expansion. Notably, ORD003 intercepted a 5-meter zone averaging 428.6 g/t silver equivalent starting at 56 meters depth, including a 0.83-meter interval grading an extraordinary 1838.4 g/t silver equivalent. These findings validate Iltani’s belief that Orient is the largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit in Australia.

Towards a JORC-Compliant Resource Estimate

The completion of the Orient West JORC infill drilling marks a significant milestone, with independent consultants Mining One now using the data to estimate an initial JORC Resource. The company targets completion of this resource estimate by the end of July 2025, subject to final assay results. Meanwhile, drilling at Orient East has also concluded, with assay results pending and a resource estimate expected by September 2025.

Insights from Diamond Core and Structural Data

Unlike reverse circulation drilling, diamond core drilling provides detailed geological and structural information. The oriented core samples allow Iltani to better understand the mineralisation styles, alteration patterns, and structural controls, which will enhance future drilling targeting and resource modelling. The presence of a “Crackle Breccia” surrounding massive sulphide veins, hosting polymetallic sulphide veinlets, explains the broader mineralised zones and offers insight into the deposit’s formation.

Exploration Outlook and Regional Potential

With mineralisation open at depth and along strike, Iltani plans to continue exploration drilling to test lateral extensions of the Orient system. The company has also received final VTEM geophysical survey data, with modelling underway to generate new drill targets. Upcoming drilling is scheduled to commence by late July, aiming to add further tonnes and grade to the resource base. Beyond Orient West and East, additional targets at Orient North, South, Deadman Creek, and the linking zones remain to be explored.