Iltani Resources reports strong assay results from its latest Orient East drilling, confirming high-grade silver-indium mineralisation and initiating a new VTEM drilling campaign to explore additional shallow targets.
- Multiple wide high-grade silver-indium intersections from drillholes ORR123 to ORR127
- Data submitted for maiden Orient East JORC Mineral Resource Estimate expected mid-October
- New 10-hole VTEM drilling program underway targeting shallow geophysical anomalies
- Orient Project remains open for resource expansion with significant exploration potential
- Orient East drilling extends strike to 500m and depth to 150m with open mineralisation
Strong Drill Results Confirm High-Grade Mineralisation
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX, ILT) has released assay results from its recent reverse circulation drilling program at the Orient East Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland. Drillholes ORR123 to ORR127 have returned multiple wide intersections of high-grade silver-indium mineralisation, reinforcing the project's status as Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit.
Notable intercepts include 7 metres at 113.7 grams per tonne silver equivalent (Ag Eq) from 127 metres and 8 metres at 163.0 g/t Ag Eq from 150 metres in ORR123, as well as 20 metres at 104.3 g/t Ag Eq from 140 metres in ORR124. These results demonstrate both the continuity and richness of the mineralised zones, which remain open along strike and at depth.
Towards a Maiden JORC Resource Estimate
With the completion of this drilling phase, Iltani has forwarded the data to independent mining consultant Mining One for the calculation of a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Orient East, anticipated by mid-October 2025. This resource will complement the existing Orient West MRE of 21.6 million tonnes at 100.5 g/t Ag Eq, enabling Iltani to present a consolidated resource for the broader Orient Project.
Managing Director Donald Garner highlighted the rapid progress, noting the company’s ability to deliver an initial resource estimate within just over two years of listing as a testament to its technical team’s efforts. The forthcoming MRE is expected to provide a clearer picture of the project's scale and economic potential.
New VTEM Drilling Targets Exploration Upside
In parallel with resource estimation efforts, Iltani has commenced a 10-hole reverse circulation drilling program targeting shallow anomalies identified by a recent Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) survey. These geophysical targets, located within the immediate Orient area, are believed to be associated with sulphide mineralisation and will be tested over the next two to three weeks.
The initial hole, ORR128, is underway at the Orient North area, with subsequent holes planned to systematically evaluate the remaining VTEM anomalies. Success in this program could validate the presence of additional mineralisation beyond current resource boundaries and support deeper diamond drilling campaigns.
Context Within the Herberton Mineral Field
The Orient Project forms part of Iltani’s extensive Herberton Project portfolio, which covers approximately 370 square kilometres in a historically prolific mining region. The area has a rich legacy of tin, tungsten, copper, silver, lead, zinc, and critical mineral production dating back to the late 19th century.
Orient itself is characterised by high-grade silver-rich galena and indium-rich sphalerite within massive sulphide veins and surrounding stockwork mineralisation. The deposit’s scale and grade, combined with ongoing exploration success, position Iltani well to advance towards development and potential production.
Looking Ahead
As Iltani awaits the maiden Orient East resource estimate, the company’s dual approach of resource definition and exploration targeting via VTEM drilling underscores its commitment to expanding the project’s footprint. The open nature of mineralisation along strike and at depth suggests further upside remains to be unlocked.
Bottom Line?
Iltani’s imminent Orient East resource estimate and ongoing VTEM drilling set the stage for a pivotal phase of growth and discovery.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the maiden Orient East JORC resource compare in size and grade to Orient West?
- What results will the VTEM drilling yield, and could it lead to new resource zones?
- How might the inclusion of antimony and tin in future metallurgical calculations impact project economics?