Litchfield Minerals Uncovers Massive Sulphides, Extends Oonagalabi Strike by 1km

Significant Sulphide Intersections at VT2

Litchfield Minerals Limited (ASX, LMS) has reported a breakthrough in its ongoing exploration at the Oonagalabi Project in Australia's Northern Territory. Drillhole OGRC011, targeting the VT2 conductor, intersected disseminated to semi-massive and massive sulphides between 180m and 291m depth. The sulphide assemblage includes pyrrhotite, chalcopyrite, sphalerite, and pyrite, minerals that are key indicators of copper and zinc mineralisation.

Notably, this mineralisation is hosted exclusively within mafic amphibolite intrusive rocks, a departure from the carbonate-rich host rocks typical of the main Oonagalabi prospect. This suggests a potentially different mineralisation style, broadening the geological understanding of the system.

Extending the Mineralised Strike

The VT2 conductor is a large, late-time VTEM anomaly with a strike length exceeding 500 metres and is located approximately 2km east of the main Oonagalabi mineralised zone. The discovery at VT2 extends the known mineralised strike length of the Oonagalabi system by about 1 kilometre, pushing the total prospective strike length beyond 4 kilometres. This expansion underscores the scale and potential of the mineralised corridor, which now includes the Bomb Diggity cluster and Silverado prospects.

Next Phase, Targeting the VT1 Conductor

With the success at VT2, Litchfield is advancing its drilling program towards the VT1 conductor, situated roughly 6 kilometres southwest of VT2. VT1 is characterised by a very strong VTEM response, with conductance up to 700 Siemens, and surface gossanous outcrops containing gold, silver, copper, and tellurium mineralisation. This target is considered high priority due to its size and the presence of precious metals at surface, potentially indicating a richer mineral system.

To enhance targeting precision, a downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) survey is scheduled to commence imminently at VT2. The survey aims to model the conductor's position more accurately and guide subsequent drilling efforts towards the core of the mineralised system.

Operational Efficiency and Strategic Focus

In a bid to improve operational efficiency and maintain cost discipline, Litchfield has scaled back to a single active drill rig at Oonagalabi while awaiting the arrival of a second rig. This decision reflects a strategic prioritisation of high-value targets and a commitment to shareholder capital stewardship. The remaining rig will focus on completing priority holes, including those at the VT1 and VT2 conductors.

Outlook and Market Implications

Managing Director Matthew Pustahya highlighted the significance of the VT2 intersections, describing them as a major milestone that validates the scale of the Oonagalabi system. The confirmation of massive sulphides aligned with a strong VTEM anomaly supports the view that Litchfield is vectoring towards the core of a large mineralised system. While assay results are pending, the visual identification of copper and zinc minerals already signals promising exploration upside.

As Litchfield progresses drilling at VT1 and awaits DHEM results, the market will be watching closely for further evidence of resource growth and the potential for a significant base metals discovery in the Northern Territory.