Asian Battery Metals PLC reports new assay results confirming extensions of copper-nickel mineralisation at its Oval Cu-Ni-PGE project in Mongolia, highlighting the growing scale and consistency of the deposit.
- New assays confirm extensions of copper-nickel sulphide mineralisation
- Significant sulphide zones intersected in multiple drillholes
- Mineralised footprint expanded both along strike and down-dip
- Downhole electromagnetic surveys identify potential higher-grade zones
- Further assay results and metallurgical testing pending
Expanding the Mineralised Footprint
Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX – AZ9) has released promising assay results from its Phase 3 drilling campaign at the Oval Cu-Ni-PGE project in Mongolia. The latest data confirm that the copper-nickel mineralised zone continues to extend both along strike and down-dip, reinforcing the project's potential as a significant magmatic sulphide system.
Key drillholes such as OVD042 and OVD046 have intersected broad zones of disseminated to semi-massive sulphides, with copper and nickel grades that validate the presence of a fertile mafic-ultramafic intrusion. Notably, OVD042 extended mineralisation 30 metres northwest beyond previous intercepts, while OVD046 pushed the known zone 29 metres to the southeast, with electromagnetic surveys indicating a possible higher-grade zone beneath.
Consistent Grades and Geological Confidence
The assays reveal consistent copper and nickel grades across multiple intervals, including near-surface mineralisation confirmed by hole OVD043. This hole intersected 19.1 metres averaging 0.66% copper and 0.65% nickel starting just 2.1 metres below surface, highlighting the shallow potential of the deposit. Other holes returned intervals with elevated precious metals (platinum, palladium, and gold), further enhancing the project's appeal.
Drilling has been carefully designed to test electromagnetic conductors identified by Fixed Loop and Downhole Electromagnetic (FLEM and DHEM) surveys, which have proven effective in targeting sulphide mineralisation. The correlation between geophysical anomalies and assay results strengthens confidence in the geological model and guides future exploration.
Quality Assurance and Next Steps
Asian Battery Metals has maintained rigorous quality control protocols throughout the sampling and assaying process, including the use of certified reference materials and re-assaying of elevated samples to ensure data reliability. The company anticipates receiving further assay batches in the coming weeks, alongside metallurgical test results expected by November 2025.
Looking ahead, the company plans additional step-out drilling to the southeast and other priority targets within the Yambat project area. Concurrently, due diligence drilling at the Maikhan Uul Cu-Au VMS project is underway, signaling a broader exploration push across its Mongolian portfolio.
Strategic Implications
These results underscore Asian Battery Metals’ commitment to advancing critical battery metals essential for the energy transition in Asia. While true widths of mineralisation remain to be fully defined and economic viability is yet to be established, the expanding sulphide zones and consistent grades provide a solid foundation for future resource estimation and development planning.
Bottom Line?
Oval’s growing mineralised footprint sets the stage for a pivotal phase of exploration and resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the pending assay batches reveal about the deposit’s continuity and grade?
- How will metallurgical test results influence the project’s economic potential?
- What are the implications of the Maikhan Uul due diligence drilling for Asian Battery Metals’ portfolio?