American West Metals Boots on Ground at West Desert to Unlock Critical Metals

Field Program Initiated to Target Critical Metals

American West Metals Limited (ASX – AW1) has commenced a focused field program at its 100% owned West Desert Project in Utah, marking a significant step forward in unlocking the project's critical metals potential. The initial phase involves resampling historical drill core that had not previously been assayed for indium and gallium, two metals increasingly vital for advanced technologies and clean energy applications.

This resampling effort is a precursor to a planned drilling campaign, designed to expand and better define the project's critical metal resources. The company expects assay results from the initial resampling within the next few weeks, which will inform exploration targeting and resource modelling.

World-Class Indium Resource with Expansion Upside

The West Desert Project already boasts the largest indium resource in the United States, supported by a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate. Notably, only about 35% of the historical drilling has been assayed for indium, suggesting substantial upside potential. Indium grades as high as 1,055 grams per tonne have been recorded, underscoring the deposit's exceptional quality.

Indium is a critical metal used extensively in aerospace, defense, energy, and telecommunications sectors. With China imposing export restrictions on indium, the West Desert Project offers a strategic opportunity for the US to establish a secure domestic supply chain.

Underexplored Gallium Mineralisation and Analogues

Gallium, another critical metal with applications in electronics and photovoltaics, remains underexplored at West Desert. Initial assays from limited sampling have revealed significant gallium mineralisation, including a drill hole intersecting 552 meters with a peak grade of 77.3 grams per tonne. The geological setting shares similarities with the nearby Apex gallium mine in Utah, a carbonate replacement deposit known for high-grade gallium mineralisation.

American West Metals is also reviewing mine waste from historical silver-zinc-lead mines within the district for potential critical metal recovery, aligning with a recent US Department of the Interior initiative to unlock critical minerals from mine waste.

Robust Multi-Metal Resource and Permitting Advantage

Beyond indium and gallium, the West Desert Project hosts substantial zinc, copper, silver, and gold resources with high grades, including up to 47.6% zinc and 12.43 grams per tonne gold. The mineralisation occurs in skarn and carbonate replacement deposit styles, with ongoing exploration targeting additional zones, including a high-grade copper-gold zone adjacent to the current resource.

Importantly, the project is situated on 100% privately owned patented land, fully permitted for exploration drilling, providing an expedited pathway for development. The supportive regulatory environment in Utah, rated highly by the Fraser Institute, and recent engagement with the Governor of Utah reinforce the project's strategic positioning.

Strategic Engagement and Next Steps

American West Metals is actively engaging with US government agencies to secure funding and support for critical minerals recovery from mine waste, reflecting the project's alignment with national strategic priorities. The company anticipates reporting further assay results and exploration updates as the field program progresses, with a focus on expanding the critical metals resource base and advancing towards development.