Litchfield Minerals has confirmed a substantial 91-metre copper-zinc mineralised zone at its Oonagalabi project, reinforcing the presence of a large-scale, continuous system with significant exploration upside.
- 91m @ 0.9% Cu and 1.3% Zn intersected from near surface
- New magnetic data reveals intrusive body extending beyond 900m depth
- VTEM conductors align with magnetic anomalies on key structural corridors
- Drilling resumed targeting Main Zone, Bomb Diggity, and VT2 conductor
- Plans for deeper geophysics and diamond drilling in 2026 underway
Robust Mineralisation Confirmed
Litchfield Minerals Limited (ASX – LMS) has delivered a compelling update from its Oonagalabi copper-zinc project in the Northern Territory, reporting a significant 91-metre intercept averaging 0.9% copper and 1.3% zinc starting just 8 metres below surface. This result, from drillhole OGRC010, confirms the Main Zone as a large, continuous mineralised system with promising economic potential.
The mineralisation occurs within a carbonate-replacement skarn system, characterised by complex folding and hosted in calc-silicate alteration zones. The four distinct mineralised intervals within the hole highlight both the scale and continuity of the copper-zinc sulphide mineralisation, which also includes silver and minor gold credits.
Geophysical Insights Reveal Deep Intrusive System
Complementing the drilling success, newly processed 3D magnetic inversion data have unveiled a large interpreted intrusive body extending more than 900 metres deep along a major crustal-scale terrane boundary. This intrusive zone appears to be the mineralising engine driving the system, with coincident VTEM electromagnetic conductors aligning directly on structural corridors adjacent to these magnetic highs.
These geophysical signatures suggest a vertically extensive magmatic-hydrothermal system, expanding the exploration focus beyond the outcropping Main Zone. The northern structural corridor, in particular, is emerging as a key growth area for discovering additional sulphide mineralisation.
Ongoing and Future Exploration Activities
Drilling has recommenced with a program targeting multiple zones including the Main Zone, Bomb Diggity, and the VT2 massive sulphide conductor. Induced Polarisation (IP) surveys are underway to refine structural controls and vector sulphide targets, while ground electromagnetic surveys are scheduled to enhance the definition of conductive bodies.
Looking ahead, Litchfield plans to deploy deeper geophysical techniques and diamond drilling in 2026 to better understand the system’s vertical extent and growth potential. These efforts aim to build on the current foundation and unlock further value from this promising copper-zinc project.
Management Perspective and Market Implications
Managing Director Matthew Pustahya described the Hole 10 results as a “standout” that strengthens the case for Oonagalabi as a significant mineral system. He emphasised the importance of laboratory assays over preliminary pXRF readings for accurate grade reporting, underscoring the company’s commitment to rigorous data quality.
The confirmation of a large-scale, laterally continuous mineralised envelope supported by deep geophysical evidence positions Oonagalabi as a compelling exploration and development opportunity in the base metals sector. As copper demand remains robust globally, projects like Oonagalabi could play a vital role in future supply chains.
Bottom Line?
Litchfield’s Oonagalabi project is stepping into a new phase, with deep geophysics and diamond drilling poised to unlock its full copper-zinc potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What will deeper diamond drilling reveal about the true thickness and grade continuity of the mineralised zones?
- How will the interpreted intrusive body influence future targeting and resource estimation?
- What is the timeline for translating these exploration results into a formal resource and development plan?