Iltani Resources reports exceptional silver-indium assay results from its Orient Project’s Link Zone in Queensland, confirming potential to connect key mineral resources. Backed by a fresh $8 million investment, the company plans an aggressive drilling program to expand and upgrade its resource base in 2026.
- Outstanding assay intercepts from drillholes ORR138 to ORR140 in the Link Zone
- Potential to link Orient West and East mineral resources over 900m strike
- $8 million funding boost from Queensland Investment Corporation
- Ambitious 2026 drilling program planned to exceed combined 2024-25 efforts
- Orient Project remains Australia’s largest known silver-indium deposit
Outstanding Assay Results Highlight Link Zone Potential
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX – ILT) has delivered a strong finish to its 2025 drilling campaign at the Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland, reporting exceptional assay results from the final three drillholes, ORR138 to ORR140. These holes targeted the so-called 'Link Zone'; a critical area between the established Orient West and Orient East mineral resources.
Drillhole ORR138 stood out with a 10-metre intercept grading 111.7 grams per tonne (g/t) silver, 44.1 g/t indium, 2.2% lead, and 2.1% zinc starting at 104 metres downhole. Within this, a 5-metre section averaged an even higher grade, and a 1-metre interval peaked at an impressive 437.2 g/t silver and 265.2 g/t indium. Nearby holes ORR139 and ORR140 also returned significant mineralisation, confirming the Link Zone’s prospective nature and its potential to physically connect the two major resource areas.
Link Zone – A Strategic Target for Resource Expansion
The Link Zone covers approximately 900 metres of strike and has not yet been included in the current Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The recent drilling results suggest this zone could materially add to the overall resource base. Iltani’s Managing Director, Donald Garner, emphasised the importance of this area, noting that the Link Zone remains a high-priority target for the upcoming drilling season.
These results build on previous intersections and demonstrate continuity of mineralisation that could effectively bridge Orient West and East, potentially enhancing the scale and grade profile of the combined resource. The mineralisation style is consistent with a silver-rich epithermal system, with key economic metals including silver, indium, lead, and zinc.
Backing from Queensland Investment Corporation Fuels Ambitious Plans
Supporting this exploration momentum is a recent $8 million investment from the Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), which provides Iltani with the financial firepower to accelerate its drilling activities. The company plans to undertake an aggressive 2026 drilling program, aiming to drill more metres than in the previous two years combined.
The 2026 program will encompass approximately 130 reverse circulation (RC) holes totaling around 30,000 metres at the Orient Project alone. Objectives include upgrading the majority of the Orient West and East MREs to the Indicated category, increasing grades, testing strike extensions including the Link Zone, and exploring deeper mineralisation to assess underground mining potential.
Broader Exploration Ambitions Across the Herberton Project
Beyond Orient, Iltani’s broader Herberton Project portfolio includes several promising targets such as Boonmoo Epithermal, Union Jack, Isabel, and Isabel Extended. Planned drilling at these sites will test for gold, silver, copper, lead, zinc, and indium mineralisation, further diversifying the company’s exploration pipeline.
The Herberton Mineral Field, where these projects are located, has a rich mining history with over 2,400 historical mines and prospects. Iltani’s extensive tenement holdings cover a highly prospective caldera structure, positioning the company well to discover and develop new mineral resources.
Outlook – From Exploration to Resource Growth
With the Link Zone assay results confirming significant mineralisation and the strong financial backing from QIC, Iltani is poised for a transformative year in 2026. The company’s methodical approach to upgrading and expanding its mineral resource estimates, combined with a large-scale drilling campaign, could unlock substantial value for investors and stakeholders.
While the true widths of mineralisation remain to be fully defined and some exploration targets are still conceptual, the current data paints a promising picture of resource growth potential. The market will be watching closely as Iltani advances its drilling programs and updates its resource models in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
Iltani’s Link Zone breakthrough and $8M funding set the stage for a pivotal 2026 drilling season that could reshape the Orient Project’s resource landscape.
Questions in the middle?
- How will upcoming drilling refine the true width and continuity of mineralisation in the Link Zone?
- What impact will metallurgical test work on antimony and tin have on the overall metal equivalent calculations?
- Can Iltani convert its substantial exploration targets into upgraded Mineral Resource Estimates within the next 12 months?