Terra Metals’ latest drilling results at the Dante Project’s Reef 2 reveal thick, continuous high-grade mineralisation from surface, reinforcing the potential for significant resource growth beyond the current 148 million tonne estimate.
- Thick, continuous Cu-Ti-V-PGE-Au mineralisation confirmed from surface at Reef 2
- Resource upgrade drilling covers over 6.2 km strike length with open extensions
- Phase 3 drilling program completed with 21,678m drilled and assays pending for ~110 holes
- Metallurgical testwork supports production of three high-grade concentrates
- Dante Project likened to Bushveld-style layered intrusions with multi-commodity potential
Resource Upgrade Drilling Validates Reef 2 Continuity
Terra Metals Limited (ASX, TM1) has announced compelling results from its resource upgrade drilling at Reef 2 (Hyperion) within the Dante Project, located in Western Australia's West Musgrave region. The initial assays confirm thick, continuous mineralisation rich in copper, titanium, vanadium, platinum group elements (PGEs), and gold starting right from surface. This continuity extends over a strike length exceeding 6.2 kilometres, with the mineralised horizon remaining open for further expansion both along strike and at depth.
A Globally Significant Multi-Metal System
The Dante Project hosts a large-scale, layered mafic-ultramafic intrusion system analogous in style to South Africa’s renowned Bushveld Complex, famous for its extensive stratiform reefs. While Terra Metals is careful to note that direct equivalence in size or grade is not implied, the geological setting and mineralisation style suggest a district-scale critical minerals system with significant potential. The recent drilling results reinforce the presence of two key reef units, the Basal Reef, which carries the highest copper and PGE tenor, and the Upper Reef, both showing consistent mineralisation and thickness.
Comprehensive Drilling and Metallurgical Advances
The recently completed Phase 3 drilling program encompassed over 21,600 metres, including more than 10,000 metres within the Dante Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) footprint. This extensive program has improved geological confidence and filled previously undrilled gaps, confirming uninterrupted reef continuity. Additionally, metallurgical testwork has demonstrated the potential to produce three high-grade concentrates, a copper-gold-PGE sulfide concentrate, a titanium dioxide ilmenite concentrate, and a vanadium-rich magnetite concentrate. These findings are crucial for future economic assessments and mine planning.
Pending Assays and Future Resource Growth
While the initial results are promising, assays remain pending for approximately 110 drillholes across Reef 1, Reef 2, and the Southwest Prospect. These forthcoming results are anticipated to further delineate reef continuity, thickness, and grade, potentially leading to a significant resource upgrade beyond the current 148 million tonnes. Terra Metals plans to update its Mineral Resource Estimate in early 2026, incorporating these new data and metallurgical insights.
Strategic Importance and Regional Context
The Dante Project’s location at the junction of three major Australian cratons enhances its geological prospectivity. Recent tenement acquisitions have expanded the strike potential to over 80 kilometres, with numerous untested reef targets remaining. The company’s ongoing exploration and heritage programs, combined with geophysical surveys, aim to unlock the full potential of this emerging multi-commodity district.
Bottom Line?
With thick, high-grade mineralisation confirmed and extensive drilling underway, Terra Metals is poised for a transformative resource update at Dante.
Questions in the middle?
- How will pending assay results impact the overall Mineral Resource Estimate?
- What are the next steps for advancing metallurgical testwork and economic studies?
- Could further drilling reveal additional reef systems beyond the current footprint?