Terra Critical Minerals has revealed new high-grade silver mineralisation at its Mole River project in NSW, with samples reaching 400 g/t silver. This discovery at the Silent Grove prospect adds momentum to the company’s polymetallic exploration ambitions.
- High-grade silver assays up to 400 g/t at Silent Grove prospect
- Significant associated lead, zinc, tin, and gold mineralisation
- Silent Grove located 7.5 km from previous high-grade zones at Mole River
- Historical data supports extensive polymetallic potential in the region
- Planned two-year exploration program including in-fill drilling and geophysical review
A New Chapter for Mole River’s Silver Potential
Terra Critical Minerals Limited (ASX, T92) has announced a significant step forward in its exploration efforts at the Mole River project in New South Wales. The company identified fresh high-grade silver mineralisation at the Silent Grove prospect, with rock chip samples returning grades as high as 400 grams per tonne (g/t) silver. This latest discovery builds on the company’s growing portfolio of critical metals in the New England region.
The Silent Grove prospect lies approximately 7.5 kilometres from previously reported high-grade silver zones at Mole River, where earlier sampling revealed multiple outcrops exceeding 30 g/t silver, with peaks up to 147 g/t. The new results include not only silver but also notable concentrations of lead (6.09%), zinc (4%), tin (0.55%), and gold (up to 0.62 g/t), underscoring the polymetallic nature of the mineralisation.
Historical Data Revisited
These findings come from a detailed review of historical rock chip samples collected by YTC Resources Pty Ltd in 2007, which had not been previously reported under current regulatory standards. Terra’s team, led by Competent Person Andrew J Vigar, has validated these historical assays and integrated them with data from the NSW government’s DIGS database. The geological setting around the Mole Granite unit is known for hosting tin, tungsten, silver, and other critical metals, with a rich history of mining activity dating back over a century.
The region’s mineralisation is characterised by hydrothermal quartz veins containing cassiterite (tin), wolframite (tungsten), and base metal sulphides, often enriched with silver. The polymetallic veins at Silent Grove and broader Mole River project area present a compelling target for further exploration, particularly given the proximity to other active projects by Rapid Critical Metals and First Tin (Taronga).
Looking Ahead, Exploration Plans
Terra Critical Minerals is now embarking on a comprehensive exploration program expected to span two years. This will include a thorough review of historical datasets, geophysical surveys such as LiDAR, remote sensing, and crucially, in-fill drilling to better define the extent and grade continuity of the mineralisation. Access approvals are underway, and the company aims to refine its understanding of the deposit’s geometry and economic potential.
While no drilling results have yet been reported, the early-stage surface sampling and historical data provide a strong foundation for resource definition. The polymetallic nature of the mineralisation, combining silver with base metals and tin, aligns well with global demand trends for critical metals used in technology and clean energy applications.
Strategic Significance
This announcement reinforces Terra Critical Minerals’ strategy to build a diversified critical metals portfolio in NSW, complementing its other assets such as the Ottery Tin Mine, Castle Rag Silver deposit, and Glen Eden tungsten project. The company’s ability to unlock value from historical data and integrate it with modern exploration techniques could position it well in a competitive market.
Investors and industry watchers will be keenly observing how Terra advances the Mole River project through its planned exploration phases, particularly how the high-grade silver zones at Silent Grove translate into a viable resource.
Bottom Line?
Terra Critical Minerals’ discovery at Silent Grove sets the stage for a pivotal exploration phase that could reshape the company’s resource profile and market prospects.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming drilling confirm the extent and true width of the high-grade silver mineralisation?
- How economically viable is the polymetallic mix at Silent Grove in the current metals market?
- What timeline and budget has Terra allocated for advancing from exploration to resource definition?