Shallow High-Grade Silver Zones at Orient East Signal Potential Open Pit Resource
Iltani Resources has reported multiple wide, high-grade silver-indium intersections from its Orient East drilling program in Queensland, reinforcing the project's potential as Australia's premier silver-indium deposit.
- Multiple wide intersections of high-grade silver-indium mineralisation
- Notable drillhole ORR100 returned 86m at 75.5 g/t silver equivalent
- Orient East resource estimate expected by September 2025
- Orient West resource on track for completion by end of July
- Further drilling planned to test new geophysical targets
Strong Assay Results Bolster Orient East Prospects
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX, ILT) has released assay results from its recent reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Orient East prospect within its broader Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland. The results reveal multiple wide zones of high-grade silver and indium mineralisation, with some intervals starting from surface, suggesting excellent potential for open-pit mining.
Among the standout results, drillhole ORR100 intersected an impressive 86 metres grading 75.5 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent starting at 80 metres depth, including higher-grade lenses up to 751.2 g/t silver equivalent. Other holes such as ORR102 and ORR107 also delivered thick, high-grade intercepts, reinforcing the continuity and scale of the mineralised system.
Advancing Towards JORC Resource Milestones
The company is progressing steadily towards delivering a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource Estimate for Orient East, expected by September 2025. This follows the completion of a comprehensive infill drilling program designed to provide sufficient data density for resource classification. Meanwhile, the Orient West resource update remains on track for completion by the end of July.
Managing Director Donald Garner highlighted the significance of the results, noting that the mineralisation occurs at shallow depths and is Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit. The combination of broad intercepts and high grades bodes well for the project's development potential.
Ongoing Exploration and Future Targets
In addition to the completed drilling, Iltani has received final data from a Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) survey, which is being modelled to identify further high-priority geophysical targets. The company plans to resume drilling later in July to test these anomalies, aiming to expand the resource base and enhance grade profiles.
The Orient East Exploration Target, estimated at 25 to 35 million tonnes grading between 77 and 95 g/t silver equivalent, includes a high-grade core with grades up to 520 g/t silver equivalent. This target remains conceptual but is supported by extensive drilling, surface mapping, and geophysical data.
Technical Rigor and Industry Standards
Iltani's drilling and sampling protocols adhere to industry best practices, employing reverse circulation drilling with rigorous quality control measures. Assays were conducted using four-acid digest and ICP-MS techniques, ensuring reliable multi-element analysis. The company also applies a conservative metal equivalent calculation based on current commodity prices and metallurgical recoveries, underpinning the economic potential of the deposit.
While some assay results from drillholes ORR108 to ORR118 are pending, the current data set provides a robust foundation for resource estimation and future development planning.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade silver-indium mineralisation confirmed at shallow depths, Iltani Resources is poised to redefine Australia's silver landscape as it moves toward critical resource milestones.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results from ORR108 to ORR118 influence the overall resource estimate?
- What are the next steps for metallurgical testing to confirm recoveries and concentrate quality?
- How might the new VTEM geophysical targets expand the known mineralisation footprint?