Iltani Resources has reported compelling assay results from its VTEM-targeted drilling at the Orient Silver-Indium Project, revealing multiple thick zones of high-grade silver-lead-zinc-indium mineralisation. These findings validate VTEM as a powerful exploration tool and hint at a significant expansion of the existing resource.
- Multiple high-grade silver-lead-zinc-indium zones intersected in drillhole ORR128
- VTEM geophysics confirmed as effective for detecting blind massive sulphide mineralisation
- ORR128 located 450m north of known resource, indicating potential resource growth
- ORR129 encountered shallow mineralisation but was cut short due to water inflow
- Ground EM surveys underway to refine deeper targets and guide further drilling
Exploration Breakthrough at Orient
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX, ILT) has delivered a promising update from its ongoing exploration at the Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland. The company announced assay results from two drillholes, ORR128 and ORR129, part of a ten-hole reverse circulation (RC) program targeting anomalies identified by Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) surveys.
Drillhole ORR128, positioned some 450 metres north of the established Orient East Mineral Resource, intersected multiple thick zones of high-grade silver, lead, zinc, and indium mineralisation. Notably, the hole returned intervals such as 1 metre at 317.8 grams per tonne silver equivalent from 34 metres, and a remarkable 13 metres at 119.4 grams per tonne silver equivalent from 228 metres, including a 1 metre section grading 412.7 grams per tonne silver equivalent. These results significantly exceed expectations based on the minor surface indications previously observed.
Validating VTEM as a Cost-Effective Exploration Tool
The success of ORR128 underscores the value of VTEM geophysics in detecting shallow massive sulphide mineralisation that lacks surface expression. The alignment of mineralised zones with VTEM anomalies confirms the technology’s effectiveness in this geological setting. Iltani’s Managing Director, Donald Garner, highlighted that the results demonstrate the potential to materially increase the mineral resource at Orient, with mineralisation remaining open along strike and at depth.
Meanwhile, ORR129 intersected a shallower mineralised zone of 8 metres at 44.5 grams per tonne silver equivalent from 12 metres but was terminated early at 133 metres due to excessive water inflow, preventing completion to the planned 260 metres. The company intends to re-enter this hole with diamond drilling to fully test the target.
Next Steps, Ground EM Surveys and Follow-Up Drilling
Building on the airborne VTEM data, Iltani is commencing a ground electromagnetic (EM) survey to better resolve overlapping and deeper conductors that VTEM cannot accurately model. This survey aims to refine drill targets, particularly in complex geological areas such as Deadmans Creek, where multiple conductors overlap.
Pending assay results from the remaining eight holes (ORR130 to ORR137) will further inform the exploration strategy. Iltani plans additional drilling to delineate the strike and depth extent of mineralisation discovered by the VTEM program, with the goal of expanding the known resource base.
Context, Australia's Largest Known Silver-Indium Deposit
The Orient Project is part of Iltani’s broader Herberton Project, covering approximately 370 square kilometres in a historically prolific mineral field. Orient is recognised as Australia’s largest known silver-indium deposit, with a current combined indicated and inferred mineral resource exceeding 34 million tonnes at over 110 grams per tonne silver equivalent. The deposit features high-grade silver-rich galena and indium-rich sphalerite within an epithermal system, with recoverable metals confirmed through historical metallurgical test work.
Exploration targets at Orient East and West suggest significant upside potential beyond the current resource estimates, with ongoing drilling and geophysical work designed to convert these targets into defined mineral resources.
Bottom Line?
Iltani’s VTEM-driven exploration at Orient is unlocking new high-grade zones, setting the stage for resource growth and deeper targeting in the months ahead.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results from ORR130 to ORR137 influence the overall resource outlook?
- What insights will the ground EM surveys provide about the deeper and overlapping conductors?
- Could metallurgical recoveries or payable metal assumptions evolve to enhance project economics?