Tabba Tabba Drilling Boosts Wildcat but Raises Resource Expansion Questions

Strong Drilling Results from Tabba Tabba

Australian lithium explorer Wildcat Resources Limited (ASX, WC8) has released promising metallurgical drilling results from its Tabba Tabba Lithium-Tantalum Project in Western Australia. The recent drilling campaign targeted the Main Leia, Southern Leia, and Luke pegmatites, returning substantial lithium mineralisation that could underpin the project's next development phase.

Notably, the Main Leia Pegmatite yielded an impressive intercept of 87 metres grading 1.32% lithium oxide (Li2O) starting from 91 metres depth, with a true width estimated at 67 metres. Within this interval, higher-grade zones were identified, including 25 metres at 1.64% Li2O. Similarly, the Luke Pegmatite returned 48.3 metres at 0.94% Li2O, featuring a standout 11.6-metre section at 2.10% Li2O.

Near-Surface Potential and Resource Expansion

Encouragingly, drilling also confirmed near-surface lithium mineralisation in the Southern Leia area, with intercepts such as 19.5 metres at 1.47% Li2O from just 12 metres depth. These shallow zones are particularly attractive for early mining phases, potentially reducing initial development costs and accelerating project timelines.

Wildcat’s maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate, announced in November 2024, stands at 74.1 million tonnes at 1.0% Li2O. The recent drilling results support ongoing efforts to expand and upgrade this resource, with further assays pending from additional reverse circulation holes targeting near-surface extensions.

Advancing Feasibility and Strategic Positioning

The company is progressing its Prefeasibility Study (PFS) and Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS), incorporating these new metallurgical data to refine project economics. With a strong cash position of $55.1 million as of 30 June 2025, Wildcat is well placed to advance development and exploration activities.

Strategically located just 80 kilometres from Port Hedland and near major lithium operations such as Pilgangoora and Wodgina, Tabba Tabba represents a significant addition to Western Australia's lithium portfolio. The project’s geological setting, with multiple high-grade pegmatite domains, offers potential for further discoveries and resource growth.

Looking Ahead

Wildcat plans to continue drilling to extend mineralisation along strike and at depth, while finalising feasibility studies that will underpin development decisions. The company’s methodical approach to metallurgical testing and resource definition aims to position Tabba Tabba as a competitive lithium supplier in a market increasingly focused on sustainable and secure supply chains.