Dreadnought Uncovers High-Grade Critical Metals at Stinger, Boosting Mangaroon’s Potential
Dreadnought Resources has reported impressive high-grade results from recent drilling at its Stinger target, part of the Mangaroon Project in Western Australia, highlighting significant rare earths, niobium, titanium, scandium, and phosphate mineralisation.
- Three-hole RC drilling program confirms high-grade rare earth and critical metal mineralisation
- Highest-grade titanium and phosphate intercepts recorded to date at Stinger
- Ongoing diamond drilling and mineralogical studies to refine resource understanding
- Gifford Creek Carbonatite hosts multiple critical minerals essential for energy transition
- Comprehensive exploration plan underway with key assay results expected early 2026
Exploration Breakthrough at Stinger
Dreadnought Resources Ltd has delivered a promising update from its Stinger REE-Nb-P-Ti-Sc target within the 100% owned Mangaroon Project, located in Western Australia's Gascoyne region. The recent reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, comprising three holes totaling 366 meters, has intersected high-grade mineralisation across a suite of critical metals including rare earth elements (REE), niobium, titanium, scandium, and phosphate.
Two of the holes successfully penetrated fresh carbonatite, a rock type known for hosting these critical minerals, while the third hole ended in mineralisation despite not reaching the target depth. Notably, the drilling returned some of the highest-grade titanium and phosphate results recorded at the Stinger prospect to date, underscoring the project's multi-mineral potential.
Significance of the Mineralisation
The Gifford Creek Carbonatite, which hosts the Stinger target, is emerging as a globally significant critical minerals complex. The mineralisation includes thick zones of rare earth oxides (TREO), niobium oxide (Nb2O5), titanium dioxide (TiO2), scandium (Sc), and phosphate (P2O5). These metals are vital for a range of strategic industries, including clean energy technologies, aerospace, defense, and electronics.
For example, scandium, often produced as a by-product, is critical for aerospace alloys and fuel cells, while titanium's strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance make it indispensable in medical and defense applications. Phosphate is essential for agriculture and battery production. The intersection of these metals in one deposit offers potential for multiple co-products, enhancing the economic viability of the project.
Ongoing Work and Future Prospects
Dreadnought is advancing its exploration with ongoing diamond drilling aimed at testing high-grade rare earth zones and oxide mineralisation at Stinger. Mineralogical studies, conducted in collaboration with the Australian National University, are underway to better understand the deposit's composition and guide metallurgical test work. Initial mineralogy results are expected by December 2025, with further diamond drilling results anticipated in February 2026.
Beyond Stinger, the Mangaroon Project encompasses a broad exploration program targeting gold, base metals, and critical minerals across multiple prospects. The company has outlined a detailed work plan through 2026, including resource upgrades, metallurgical studies, and further drilling campaigns. This comprehensive approach reflects Dreadnought’s ambition to develop Mangaroon into a cornerstone critical minerals hub supporting Australia’s strategic interests and the global energy transition.
Strategic Importance and Market Context
Located within the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility zone, the Gifford Creek Carbonatite’s critical mineral endowment aligns with national priorities for supply chain security and decarbonisation. As global demand for rare earths and associated metals intensifies, projects like Mangaroon are poised to play a pivotal role in diversifying sources and reducing geopolitical risks.
Dreadnought’s results also draw parallels to world-class deposits such as Mountain Pass in the US, highlighting the potential scale and quality of the resource. The company’s ongoing metallurgical and resource modelling work will be key to unlocking this value and attracting investment.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade critical metals confirmed and a robust exploration pipeline ahead, Dreadnought’s Mangaroon Project is shaping up as a strategic asset in Australia’s critical minerals landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming metallurgical test results impact the economic feasibility of extracting multiple co-products?
- What are the timelines and milestones for resource upgrades and potential development decisions at Stinger?
- How might evolving global supply chain dynamics influence Dreadnought’s strategic partnerships and market positioning?