Trigg Defines 6.9Mt at Up to 2.3% Antimony in Patented Utah Claims
Trigg Minerals pivots to focus on 20 patented claims at its Antimony Canyon Project, defining a significant exploration target and unlocking a streamlined permitting path in Utah.
- Exploration Target of 6.1–6.9 million tonnes at 1.4–2.3% antimony defined
- Patented claims grant full surface and mineral rights ownership
- Recent sampling confirms exceptionally high-grade antimony zones
- Streamlined permitting under Utah state law accelerates development
- Company well-capitalised to advance pilot-scale mining and resource definition
Strategic Shift to Patented Claims
Trigg Minerals Limited (ASX – TMG) has announced a decisive strategic pivot to concentrate exploration and development efforts exclusively on 20 recently acquired patented mining claims within its flagship Antimony Canyon Project in Utah, USA. This move marks a significant evolution from a broad, conceptual exploration approach to a focused, near-term development strategy. The patented claims provide Trigg with full ownership of both surface and mineral rights, a rare advantage that substantially de-risks the project by insulating it from federal land policy uncertainties.
Defining a Robust Exploration Target
The company has defined an Exploration Target ranging from 6.1 to 6.9 million tonnes at grades between 1.4% and 2.3% antimony (Sb), equating to approximately 86,000 to 158,000 tonnes of contained antimony metal. This target is based on a comprehensive review of historical data from the 1940s by the U.S. Bureau of Mines and U.S. Geological Survey, supplemented by recent systematic sampling programs. Notably, recent channel samples have returned exceptional grades, including intervals of 1.5 meters at 33.2% Sb and multiple samples exceeding 10% Sb, underscoring the high-grade potential within the patented claims.
Permitting Advantages and Development Pathway
Ownership of patented claims shifts the permitting process from complex federal oversight to a more streamlined state-led framework under Utah's Mining and Reclamation Act. This transition significantly reduces regulatory risk and shortens development timelines, enabling Trigg to fast-track its pilot-scale mining ambitions. The company plans a focused program of detailed mapping, geophysics, trenching, and drilling to validate historical data and define a JORC and S-K 1300-compliant Mineral Resource. The streamlined permitting and operational flexibility afforded by private land ownership also enhance the project's economic prospects by potentially accelerating cash flow generation.
Alignment with US Strategic Interests
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the United States government due to its essential role in defense and industrial supply chains. Trigg’s accelerated development strategy positions the company as a potential first mover in re-establishing domestic antimony production, addressing urgent national supply security concerns. The company’s strong financial position following a recent capital raise provides the necessary resources to aggressively advance this critical minerals portfolio.
Looking Ahead
While the Exploration Target remains conceptual pending drilling and resource definition, Trigg’s acquisition of patented claims and high-grade sampling results provide a compelling foundation for near-term development. The company’s cautious, capital-efficient approach; starting with a pilot-scale operation on the highest-grade zones; aims to reduce execution risk and shareholder dilution while building a platform for systematic resource expansion.
Bottom Line?
Trigg Minerals’ patented claims acquisition and high-grade target set the stage for a rapid transition from exploration to production, spotlighting antimony’s strategic importance in the US.
Questions in the middle?
- When will Trigg commence drilling to convert the Exploration Target into a JORC-compliant Mineral Resource?
- How will local and state stakeholders influence the permitting timeline and social licence?
- What are the potential challenges in scaling from pilot mining to full commercial production?