Resource Growth at Tallebung Raises Questions on Approval Timelines
Sky Metals reports a highly successful drilling campaign at its Tallebung Tin Project, revealing significant new high-grade tin zones and expanding the deposit footprint. The company advances metallurgical testing and environmental studies to support upcoming mining approvals.
- Major RC drilling program expands Tallebung tin deposit with high-grade intercepts
- Deposit remains open in all directions with new silver and tungsten by-product potential
- Metallurgical bulk sampling shows excellent ore sorting and concentrate prospects
- Environmental studies and mining approvals progressing alongside resource growth
- Exploration activities continue across multiple NSW projects with promising early results
A Breakthrough Quarter at Tallebung
Sky Metals Limited has delivered a standout June quarter update, highlighting a major step-change in the scale and quality of its Tallebung Tin Project in New South Wales. The company’s extensive Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program, which was expanded mid-quarter due to early positive results, has significantly extended the known tin mineralisation footprint. Assay results from 45 of the 93 holes drilled reveal multiple high-grade tin intercepts, some accompanied by notable silver and tungsten values, underscoring the polymetallic potential of the deposit.
Key drill highlights include intercepts such as 6 metres at 1.01% tin including 2 metres at 2.54% tin, and 15 metres at 0.68% tin with 77.2 grams per tonne silver, including a 5-metre zone grading 1.22% tin and 219 grams per tonne silver. These results not only confirm extensions to previously identified high-grade zones but also reveal new mineralised areas beyond the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) boundaries, with the deposit remaining open in all directions.
Advancing Metallurgy and Approvals
Complementing the drilling success, Sky Metals has progressed a bulk sampling metallurgical program designed to optimise the processing flowsheet and produce marketable tin concentrates. Early ore sorting testwork using TOMRA’s XRT technology has demonstrated exceptional performance, rejecting over 90% of waste material while recovering more than 95% of the tin. This efficient pre-concentration is expected to reduce processing costs and enhance the economic viability of the project.
Environmental studies, including biodiversity assessments and installation of weather stations, are underway to support the mining approvals process. These preparatory steps aim to streamline regulatory compliance and position Tallebung for near-term development, leveraging its shallow, open-pit potential and favourable mineralogy.
Broader Exploration Momentum
Beyond Tallebung, Sky Metals continues to advance exploration across its diverse portfolio. At the Doradilla Tin Deposit, historic data is being revisited with modern flotation testwork planned to unlock additional tin resources. The Narriah Project has yielded high-grade rock chip samples over a 3-kilometre strike, indicating promising tin-tungsten mineralisation. Meanwhile, the Cullarin, Iron Duke, Caledonian, Galwadgere, and Kangiara projects are progressing with drilling, geophysical surveys, and soil sampling, each offering potential for new discoveries and resource growth.
Financially, the company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $3.43 million and invested $1.33 million in exploration activities, reflecting a focused commitment to advancing its projects through systematic drilling and technical studies.
Looking Ahead
Sky Metals plans to complete the current drilling program in the September quarter, with potential for further expansion depending on results. The company will also continue metallurgical testwork and environmental studies, aiming to deliver an updated Mineral Resource Estimate and mining studies that will underpin future development decisions. As new zones continue to emerge, the Tallebung project’s profile as a secure, technology-enabled tin supply source strengthens amid growing demand from electronics and renewable energy sectors.
Bottom Line?
Sky Metals’ expanding tin resource and advancing metallurgical work position Tallebung for a pivotal development phase.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pending assay results from the remaining drill holes impact the updated resource estimate?
- What are the timelines and key hurdles for obtaining mining approvals at Tallebung?
- Can metallurgical testwork confirm a cost-effective processing route that supports commercial production?
