Litchfield Minerals reports a significantly larger and more complex VT1 conductor at its Oonagalabi Project, with a high-resolution Ground EM survey planned to refine drilling targets. Surface assays reveal anomalous palladium and nickel, hinting at a fertile magmatic-hydrothermal system.
- Downhole EM reveals VT1 conductor stronger and more complex than airborne data
- Ground EM survey to commence mid-November with high-resolution parameters
- Multiple stacked, high-conductance plates identified within a 400m corridor
- Surface rock chip assays show anomalous palladium and nickel indicating magmatic influence
- Targeted drilling planned post-survey to precisely define mineralisation
Emerging Strength of VT1 Conductor
Litchfield Minerals Limited (ASX – LMS) has delivered an encouraging technical update on the VT1 conductor at its Oonagalabi Project in Australia's Northern Territory. Recent downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys have revealed that the conductor system is not only larger but also more intense and structurally complex than initial airborne VTEM models suggested. The DHEM data indicates a conductor strength of approximately 995 Siemens, surpassing the earlier estimate of 700 Siemens, and highlights multiple stacked and offset conductive plates within a roughly 400-metre folded corridor.
Strategic Ground EM Survey Planned
To capitalize on these findings, Litchfield has designed a high-resolution Ground EM survey scheduled to begin in mid-November 2025. This survey will employ tighter line spacing and higher station density to accurately map the conductor's geometry and intensity. The fixed-loop EM method will provide precise spatial control, enabling the delineation of overlapping plates and allowing the company to plan targeted drilling with greater confidence immediately after data interpretation.
Geochemical Clues to Mineralisation Style
Adding to the project's promise, recent assays from surface rock chip samples have detected anomalous levels of palladium and nickel, elements often associated with magmatic-hydrothermal mineralisation systems. These findings complement the geophysical data and suggest the presence of multiple mineralisation styles, including skarn and intrusion-related systems, within the Oonagalabi corridor. Such diversity is typically indicative of repeated fluid and heat pulses, which can enhance both the scale and grade of mineral deposits.
Implications for Oonagalabi's Potential
According to Managing Director Matthew Pustahya, the combined geophysical and geochemical evidence points to VT1 being part of a large, fertile mineralising system with the potential to evolve into a Tier-1 discovery. The upcoming Ground EM survey is expected to provide the critical data needed to refine drilling targets and accelerate exploration progress. The company anticipates that VT1 will become one of the most significant and technically compelling targets within the broader Oonagalabi project.
Next Steps and Market Outlook
Litchfield plans to commence Ground EM acquisition around November 20, followed by rapid data integration and modelling. Targeted drilling will then proceed based on the refined conductor models. While these developments are promising, the company cautions that further work is required to confirm the economic significance of the anomalies identified. Investors will be watching closely as Litchfield advances its exploration program, potentially unlocking a major new copper and critical minerals resource in the Northern Territory.
Bottom Line?
With Ground EM surveys imminent, Litchfield Minerals is poised to sharpen its exploration focus on a conductor system that could redefine Oonagalabi’s potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Ground EM survey confirm the extent and grade of the VT1 conductor system?
- How might the anomalous palladium and nickel influence the overall mineralisation model at Oonagalabi?
- What are the timelines and expected scale for drilling results following the upcoming survey?