WA1 Unveils Record High-Grade Niobium Drilling at Luni Project
WA1 Resources reports exceptional high-grade niobium intersections from infill and extension drilling at its Luni Niobium Project, setting the stage for a significant resource update in 2026.
- Record 67.3m at 5.4% Nb2O5 including 30m at 9.8% Nb2O5 intersection
- Extensions of mineralisation beyond current Mineral Resource Estimate envelope
- Over 83,000m of drilling completed since discovery
- Ongoing pre-development activities including infrastructure and hydrogeological testing
- Next Mineral Resource Estimate update targeted for 2026
Exceptional Drilling Results at Luni
WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX – WA1) has delivered a compelling update from its 100%-owned Luni Niobium Project in Western Australia, revealing some of the highest-grade niobium intersections recorded to date. The standout result comes from drillhole LUDD-0167, which returned an impressive 67.3 metres grading 5.4% Nb2O5, including a remarkable 30 metres at 9.8% Nb2O5. These results not only underscore the quality of the deposit but also highlight the potential for a substantial upgrade in the project’s Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
Expanding the Resource Envelope
Beyond infill drilling, WA1 has identified meaningful extensions to the mineralisation outside the current MRE envelope, particularly to the east of the deposit. Air core drilling has delineated high-grade zones such as 28 metres at 2.3% Nb2O5 and 35 metres at 3.2% Nb2O5, suggesting the deposit’s footprint is broader than previously understood. These step-out results are critical as they may add significant tonnage and grade to the resource base, enhancing the project’s economic viability.
Robust Drilling Campaign and Technical Work
Since discovery, WA1 has completed over 83,000 metres of drilling using a combination of diamond, air core, and mud rotary methods. The diamond drilling, focused on resource definition, is conducted on a tight grid to improve confidence in the mineralisation’s continuity and geometry. The company is also advancing hydrogeological studies with a network of production and monitoring bores now installed, supporting critical environmental and engineering assessments.
Pre-Development Momentum
WA1 is progressing pre-development activities at Luni, including infrastructure construction such as an airstrip and water containment facilities. These efforts aim to support detailed studies and streamline permitting processes. Managing Director Paul Savich emphasised the company’s commitment to de-risking and optimising the project, with key milestones anticipated in 2026, including the updated MRE that will incorporate these latest high-grade results.
Strategic Importance and Next Steps
The Luni Niobium Project sits within the underexplored West Arunta Province, a region with limited historical exploration but promising geology characterized by carbonatite intrusions enriched in niobium and rare earth elements. WA1’s ongoing drilling and technical programs aim to unlock the full potential of this deposit, which could become a significant supplier of niobium, a critical metal for advanced technologies and clean energy applications.
Bottom Line?
With record grades and expanding mineralisation, WA1’s Luni Project is poised for a transformative resource update in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the new high-grade intersections impact the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate?
- What are the implications of the mineralisation extensions for project scale and economics?
- When will metallurgical and engineering studies provide clarity on processing and development feasibility?
