Exploration Targets Keep Iltani’s Orient Project Open for Further Growth

Maiden Orient East Resource Announcement

Iltani Resources Limited (ASX – ILT) has delivered a significant milestone with the maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for its Orient East Silver-Indium deposit, part of the broader Orient Silver-Indium Project near Herberton in Northern Queensland. The maiden resource at Orient East stands at 12.6 million tonnes grading 128 grams per tonne silver equivalent (Ag Eq.) at a 60 g/t cut-off, and 19.8 million tonnes at 98 g/t Ag Eq. at a 30 g/t cut-off grade.

This maiden resource complements the previously announced Orient West MRE, bringing the combined total Orient Project resource to 34.2 million tonnes at 110.4 g/t Ag Eq. (60 g/t cut-off) and 62.5 million tonnes at 81.5 g/t Ag Eq. (30 g/t cut-off). This substantial increase underscores Iltani’s growing footprint in the silver-indium space, positioning the project as one of Australia’s most promising silver-indium discoveries.

Exploration Upside and Resource Growth Potential

Despite the robust maiden resource, a significant portion of the Orient East Exploration Target remains unconverted to Mineral Resources, with estimates ranging from 6.5 to 7.9 million tonnes at 120–147 g/t Ag Eq. (60 g/t cut-off) and 10.9 to 13.3 million tonnes at 88–108 g/t Ag Eq. (30 g/t cut-off). Combined with the Orient West Exploration Target, the total unclassified potential stands between 15.4 and 18.8 million tonnes at 95–117 g/t Ag Eq. (60 g/t cut-off) and 35.9 to 43.3 million tonnes at 64–78 g/t Ag Eq. (30 g/t cut-off).

The mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth, with ongoing drilling programs targeting multiple shallow VTEM geophysical anomalies. Recent completion of 10 reverse circulation drill holes at Orient aims to test these targets, with assay results pending. This exploration momentum is expected to drive further resource upgrades in the near term.

Geological and Metallurgical Context

The Orient Project is hosted within an epithermal vein system characterized by silver, indium, lead, and zinc mineralisation within rhyolitic porphyry units. The mineralisation style and alteration patterns suggest vertical zonation, with potential for deeper copper and tin mineralisation. Historical metallurgical test work on Orient West samples indicates the feasibility of producing high-quality lead-silver and zinc-indium concentrates, with recoveries of key metals expected to be commercially viable.

Iltani plans to undertake comprehensive metallurgical test work to confirm and potentially expand recoveries, including the evaluation of antimony and tin, which are currently excluded from metal equivalent calculations pending further analysis.

Financial Backing and Next Steps

Backing this exploration and development push is a recent $8 million investment from the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), which will support permitting, application processes, and increased exploration activities. Managing Director Donald Garner highlighted the company’s commitment to advancing the project towards production while aggressively pursuing resource growth.

Looking ahead, Iltani intends to focus on infill and extension drilling to convert Exploration Targets to Mineral Resources, alongside advancing metallurgical programs and permitting efforts. The company’s strategic approach aims to unlock the full potential of the Orient Silver-Indium system, which remains open for expansion.