Herberton Project VTEM Survey Identifies 50+ Plates, 9-Hole Drill Program Planned
Iltani Resources has identified 16 significant electromagnetic anomalies at its Herberton Project, including 13 near the Orient silver-indium deposit, setting the stage for a multi-phase exploration campaign.
- 16 high-priority VTEM anomalies detected, 13 near Orient/Deadman Creek
- More than 50 geophysical plates modelled indicating potential extensions
- Phased follow-up – nine-hole RC drilling for shallow targets, ground EM surveys for deeper zones
- $230,375 Queensland Government funding supports exploration
- Orient East Exploration Target conversion to JORC Mineral Resource Estimate underway
Survey Reveals New Exploration Opportunities
Iltani Resources (ASX – ILT) has announced compelling results from a recent helicopter-borne Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) survey conducted over its Herberton Project in northern Queensland. The survey identified 16 high-priority electromagnetic anomalies, with 13 clustered around the Orient and Deadman Creek areas, home to Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit.
The anomalies, interpreted as likely sulphide mineralisation, have been modelled into over 50 three-dimensional plates that suggest significant potential to extend known mineralisation both along strike and at depth. The host rocks’ favourable geophysical properties, including high resistivity and minimal conductive cover, enhance the reliability of these targets.
Strategic Phased Exploration Plan
Iltani has outlined a clear, phased approach to follow up on these findings. Phase 1 involves a nine-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling program targeting shallow plates that have not yet been intersected by drilling. This will be followed by Phase 2, comprising detailed ground electromagnetic surveys designed to better define deeper anomalies before committing to further drilling.
Additionally, Phase 3 will focus on field assessments of numerous targets within the central Boonmoo Sag Caldera, where access challenges require careful mapping and sampling to prioritise drill targets. This systematic approach aims to maximise the chances of discovering economically viable mineralisation.
Government Support and Project Context
The Queensland Government has provided $230,375 in funding through its Collaborative Exploration Initiative, underscoring public sector confidence in the project’s potential. The Herberton Project covers approximately 367 square kilometres in a historically prolific mineral field with over 2,400 known mines and prospects, primarily for tin, tungsten, copper, silver, lead, zinc, and critical minerals like indium.
Iltani’s portfolio includes the Orient Silver-Indium Project, where a JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of 21.6 million tonnes at 100.5 grams per tonne silver equivalent has been defined at Orient West. The company is actively working to convert the Orient East Exploration Target, estimated between 12 and 18 million tonnes at 110 to 130 grams per tonne silver equivalent, into a formal Mineral Resource Estimate by late 2025.
Looking Ahead
With the VTEM survey confirming the scale of the Orient system and revealing new targets, Iltani is poised to expand its resource base significantly. The combination of geophysical modelling, targeted drilling, and government funding positions the company well to unlock further value from this promising region.
Bottom Line?
Iltani’s methodical exploration strategy backed by strong geophysical data and government support could redefine the scale of the Herberton Project’s mineral potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming RC drilling confirm economic mineralisation in the newly identified shallow VTEM targets?
- How effectively will ground EM surveys resolve the deeper anomalies and influence future drilling plans?
- What timeline and milestones can investors expect for the conversion of the Orient East Exploration Target into a JORC Mineral Resource?
