Can Iltani Link Orient’s Silver-Indium Resources with New High-Grade Drilling?

Strong Assay Results Highlight New Opportunities

Iltani Resources Limited (ASX, ILT) has released the final assay results from its recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign at the Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland. The 10-hole program targeted shallow anomalies identified by airborne Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM) surveys, with all holes intersecting mineralisation and several delivering significant silver-equivalent grades.

Standout results came from drillholes ORR136 and ORR137, which were drilled in the so-called 'gap zone' between the established Orient West and Orient East Mineral Resources. ORR136 returned 22 metres at 155.1 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent from 127 metres, including higher-grade intervals up to 519.4 g/t Ag Eq. ORR137 intersected 28 metres at 164.6 g/t Ag Eq. from 48 metres, featuring an exceptional 1 metre interval grading 1104.5 g/t Ag Eq. These intercepts suggest the potential to physically link the two previously discrete resource areas, a development that could materially enhance the project's scale and economic prospects.

Geophysical Surveys and Next Drilling Phase

To better delineate targets, Iltani has commenced a ground electromagnetic (EM) survey aimed at resolving overlapping or poorly defined VTEM anomalies, particularly those too deep for accurate modelling. This refined geophysical data will guide precise drill targeting in upcoming campaigns.

Subject to weather conditions, the company plans to initiate a follow-up drilling program comprising approximately 10 RC holes totaling 1,600 metres. This phase will focus on extending promising VTEM results and testing Vein 1, an 800-metre east-west trending vein system north of Orient East, which has already yielded high-grade silver-indium intercepts in previous drilling.

Context Within a Robust Resource Framework

The Orient Project is Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit, with current JORC-compliant Mineral Resources totaling over 46 million tonnes at grades exceeding 110 g/t silver equivalent. The deposit features high-grade veins rich in silver, indium, lead, and zinc, hosted within a large epithermal system. Iltani's extensive tenement holdings in the Herberton Mineral Field provide a strategic base for ongoing exploration and resource growth.

The company’s approach integrates detailed geological modelling, historical data, and modern geophysical techniques to progressively convert exploration targets into defined Mineral Resources. The recent drilling results and planned infill programs over the next 6 to 12 months are critical steps toward expanding the resource base and advancing the project toward development.

Strategic Implications and Outlook

These latest assay results reinforce Iltani’s position as a leading explorer of silver-indium and base metals in Australia. The potential to link Orient West and East resources could unlock significant value by creating a larger, more continuous mineralised system. Moreover, the high-grade intercepts in the gap zone and Vein 1 highlight multiple avenues for resource expansion.

As the ground EM survey progresses and follow-up drilling commences, investors and analysts will be watching closely for confirmation of resource continuity and further high-grade zones. The company’s methodical exploration strategy and robust assay results bode well for the project's future, though true widths and economic viability will require further validation.