How Trigg Minerals Is Unifying a Historic US Tungsten District for Modern Exploration
Trigg Minerals has expanded its Tennessee Mountain Tungsten Project in Nevada by acquiring contiguous claims that consolidate a district-scale mineralised system, setting the stage for modern exploration and resource definition.
- Acquisition of new claims covering Little Joe and Gribble prospects
- Consolidation of over 75 historical tungsten workings in Tennessee Mountain district
- Historical data indicates high-grade tungsten mineralisation (up to 0.85% WO₃)
- Planned phased exploration, data digitisation, field verification, maiden drilling
- Well-funded with ~A$19 million to advance projects including Antimony Canyon
District-Scale Consolidation in Nevada
Trigg Minerals Limited (ASX, TMG) has taken a significant step forward by strategically expanding its Tennessee Mountain Tungsten Project in Elko County, Nevada. The company has acquired new unpatented lode claims that encompass the historically important Little Joe and Gribble prospects, effectively consolidating the entire Tennessee Mountain mineralised system. This move transforms what was previously a collection of isolated high-grade tungsten occurrences into a contiguous, district-scale asset.
Historical High-Grade Tungsten Potential
Historical exploration data, primarily from mid-20th century US government programs such as the Defense Minerals Exploration Administration (DMEA) and reports from the Nevada Bureau of Mines & Geology (NBMG), reveal promising tungsten grades. Notably, samples from the Gribble prospect returned averages of 0.85% tungsten trioxide (WO₃), while the Little Joe area historically produced tungsten at grades between 0.9% and 1.5% WO₃ from narrow veins. These figures, while compelling, predate modern reporting standards and require contemporary verification.
A Modern Exploration Strategy
Trigg’s approach is methodical and phased. The initial phase involves digitising and integrating all historical data into a unified 3D geological model, marking the first time the district’s prospects are viewed as a single mineralising system. This will be followed by field verification, including surface mapping and sampling to generate modern, quality-controlled assay data. The final phase will be a maiden drilling program designed to validate historical results, test mineralisation continuity, and establish a JORC-compliant resource estimate.
Strategic Importance and Funding
Beyond the geological potential, Trigg positions the Tennessee Mountain Project as a critical minerals asset with strategic value for the United States. The company aims to engage with US government and defense agencies to highlight the project’s potential as a national security asset, which could unlock non-dilutive funding and support. Financially, Trigg is well placed with approximately A$19 million in cash, enabling parallel advancement of Tennessee Mountain alongside its flagship Antimony Canyon Project in Utah.
Looking Ahead
While the historical data provides a strong foundation, Trigg acknowledges the need for modern exploration to confirm and expand upon these early findings. The company’s systematic plan and robust funding position it well to unlock the full potential of this district-scale tungsten system, which could become a significant domestic source of this critical metal for Western economies.
Bottom Line?
Trigg’s consolidation and methodical exploration plan could redefine US tungsten supply, but modern validation remains key.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Trigg’s maiden drilling program refine the historical tungsten grades and resource size?
- What level of government support or funding might the project attract as a potential national security asset?
- Can Trigg replicate the high-grade selective mining historically reported across the broader district?