Inferred Resource Status Highlights Risks Ahead for Marquee’s Eastern Hills Ambitions
Marquee Resources has announced its inaugural inferred mineral resource at Eastern Hills, revealing 6,800 tonnes of antimony equivalent metal and setting the stage for further exploration in a promising underexplored district.
- Maiden inferred mineral resource of 1.14Mt at 0.6% SbEq
- Contained metal totals 6,800 tonnes SbEq, including 6,000 tonnes antimony
- Resource predominantly open pit with 83% of antimony metal
- Exploration target of 3–6 million tonnes at 0.4–0.8% Sb grades
- Phase two drilling program to commence imminently
A Milestone for Marquee Resources
Marquee Resources Limited (ASX, MQR) has taken a significant step forward by declaring its maiden inferred mineral resource estimate (MRE) for the Eastern Hills (Mt Clement) Project in Western Australia. The company reports a resource of 1.14 million tonnes at 0.6% antimony equivalent (SbEq), containing approximately 6,800 tonnes of SbEq metal, with antimony itself accounting for 6,000 tonnes. This announcement marks a transformational milestone for Marquee, validating years of exploration and positioning the company as an emerging player in Australia's antimony sector.
Resource Composition and Potential
The resource is predominantly open pit, with about 83% of the antimony metal contained within this component, while the remainder lies in underground domains. The mineralisation is hosted within multiple quartz-sulphide lodes, exhibiting a complex geological setting typical of the Ashburton Basin's Proterozoic meta-sedimentary rocks. Marquee's resource estimate is supported by a combination of recent reverse circulation drilling and historical data from previous explorers, including Artemis Resources and Taipan Resources.
Exploration Target and Upcoming Drilling
Beyond the maiden resource, Marquee has outlined an exploration target ranging from 3 to 6 million tonnes at grades between 0.4% and 0.8% Sb. This target remains conceptual, with further drilling required to confirm its potential. To this end, the company is poised to commence a phase two drilling program imminently, aiming to test extensions along strike and at depth. This program will include approximately 15 holes for 3,500 metres, focusing on expanding the known mineralisation and refining the resource model.
Strategic Location and Market Context
The Eastern Hills Project is strategically located near Black Cat Syndicate’s Paulsens gold mine and adjacent to what is considered Australia’s largest undeveloped antimony deposit. With antimony prices at record highs, the timing of this resource declaration could not be more opportune. Marquee’s Executive Chairman, Charles Thomas, highlighted the exceptional growth platform the project offers, combining a defined resource, a promising exploration target, and favourable market conditions.
Technical Rigor and Forward Outlook
The resource estimate adheres to JORC 2012 standards, employing industry-standard sampling, assaying, and geostatistical modeling techniques. While classified as inferred; reflecting moderate confidence due to drill spacing; the estimate provides a solid foundation for further work. Metallurgical recoveries are based on prior test work, and environmental considerations are underway, though still at an early stage. The company’s forthcoming drilling results and subsequent resource updates will be critical in shaping the project's economic viability and future development trajectory.
Bottom Line?
Marquee’s maiden resource declaration at Eastern Hills sets a promising foundation, but the real test lies ahead as phase two drilling seeks to unlock the project’s full potential amid a buoyant antimony market.
Questions in the middle?
- Will phase two drilling confirm and expand the current exploration target into a measured resource?
- How will metallurgical and environmental studies influence the project's development timeline?
- What strategic partnerships or funding might Marquee pursue to advance Eastern Hills toward production?
