HomeMiningTambourah Metals (ASX:TMB)

Tambourah Faces Regulatory Hurdles Before Drilling Critical Minerals at Speewah

Mining By Maxwell Dee 3 min read

Tambourah Metals has identified seven promising antimony drill targets at its Speewah Nth project, supported by strong silver and copper anomalies from recent sampling. The company plans up to 1200 metres of reverse circulation drilling pending approvals.

  • Seven epithermal vein-related antimony targets identified for drilling
  • Strongly anomalous silver, copper, and antimony confirmed in recent sampling
  • Targets extend over 5 km along eastern margin of Hart mafic intrusion
  • Up to 1200m of reverse circulation drilling planned, subject to POW approval
  • Tambourah holds 80% interest in Speewah Nth tenement acquired in February 2025
Image source middle. ©

Exploration Momentum Builds at Speewah Nth

Tambourah Metals Ltd (ASX, TMB) has announced a significant advancement in its exploration campaign at the Speewah Nth project, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia. The company has identified seven initial drill targets associated with epithermal vein-related antimony mineralisation, supported by recent field sampling that returned strongly anomalous silver, copper, and antimony results.

The Speewah Nth project covers a substantial 181 square kilometres over the northern half of the Speewah Dome, a geological structure known for hosting critical minerals including the major Speewah fluorite deposit. Tambourah’s exploration focus has been on the eastern margin of the Hart mafic intrusion, where polymetallic mineralisation occurs in quartz veins and breccias.

Sampling Validates Priority Targets

Recent rock chip sampling in the Catto and Haydens areas has confirmed the Cattos West prospect as a key zone of interest, with surface mineralisation detected in areas yet to be drilled. Assay results include notable grades of antimony exceeding 6%, alongside significant silver and copper values. These findings reinforce the potential for economically meaningful mineralisation within the epithermal vein systems.

Historical drilling in the region has been relatively sparse and widely spaced, with previous programs focusing primarily on copper and gold. Tambourah’s new targets, including the historic Chapmans and Haydens prospects, have not been adequately tested for antimony, despite anomalous results in earlier drilling. This gap presents an opportunity for Tambourah to delineate new mineral resources.

Drilling Plans and Next Steps

Tambourah is preparing for an initial reverse circulation drilling program of up to 1200 metres targeting these seven priority zones. The drilling will aim to test discrete epithermal veins that could host significant silver, copper, and antimony mineralisation. The company is currently awaiting statutory approvals, including a Program of Work (POW) application, before commencing drilling.

Additional sampling and outcrop searches are ongoing to refine and potentially expand the target areas. The company’s strategic acquisition of an 80% interest in the Speewah Nth tenement earlier this year positions it well to advance exploration in this critical minerals province.

Strategic Context and Market Implications

The Speewah Dome is increasingly recognised as a critical minerals hub, attracting major investors such as Sumitomo Corporation. Tambourah’s focus on antimony, a critical mineral with growing demand in battery technologies and flame retardants, aligns with broader market trends emphasizing supply chain security for strategic metals.

While the current results are encouraging, the absence of a resource estimate or economic assessment means the project remains at an early stage. The upcoming drilling campaign will be pivotal in defining the scale and grade continuity of mineralisation and informing future development decisions.

Bottom Line?

Tambourah’s upcoming drilling at Speewah Nth could unlock a new critical minerals opportunity, but timing hinges on regulatory approvals.

Questions in the middle?

  • Will the upcoming drilling confirm sufficient continuity and grade to support a resource estimate?
  • How might Tambourah’s findings at Speewah Nth influence its strategic positioning in the critical minerals sector?
  • What are the potential timelines and hurdles for obtaining the necessary POW approvals to commence drilling?