Litchfield Minerals has completed its first field reconnaissance at the Silver Valley Project, revealing well-developed quartz reefs and visible sulphide mineralisation. The company is set to launch a geophysical survey to pinpoint drill targets for 2026.
- Reconnaissance mapping and sampling completed at Silver Valley 1, 2, 3 and Chablo prospects
- Visible chalcopyrite and galena sulphides confirm mineralised system presence
- Historic rock chips show high-grade silver (up to 620g/t) and lead (up to 25%)
- Gradient Array Induced Polarisation (GAIP) survey planned for mid-February
- Potential for a large, structurally controlled mineralised corridor with repeat vein systems
Reconnaissance Success at Silver Valley
Litchfield Minerals Limited has reported the completion of its inaugural field visit to the Silver Valley Project in Australia's Northern Territory. The exploration team conducted reconnaissance mapping and selective rock chip sampling across four key prospects – Silver Valley 1, 2, 3, and Chablo. Despite challenging conditions, including steep terrain and extreme heat, the team confirmed the presence of well-developed quartz reefs and visible sulphide mineralisation, notably chalcopyrite and galena, which are encouraging indicators of base metal deposits.
Geological Insights and Historical Context
The Silver Valley Project sits on the Murray Downs Dome, a Proterozoic structural feature known for hosting vein-hosted lead, silver, copper, and gold mineralisation. The reconnaissance revealed multiple quartz vein systems ranging from narrow splays to major reef structures, suggesting significant strike continuity and potential for repeat mineralised positions. Historical data supports this prospectivity, with rock chip samples from previous explorers showing silver grades up to 620 grams per tonne and lead concentrations reaching 25%. The area has a history of small-scale mining dating back to the 1950s, with reports of high-grade lead and silver ore processed locally.
Next Steps – Geophysical Survey and Target Definition
Building on these promising field observations, Litchfield plans to undertake a Gradient Array Induced Polarisation (GAIP) geophysical survey starting mid-February. This method is designed to efficiently detect chargeability and resistivity anomalies associated with sulphide mineralisation beneath shallow cover. The survey aims to map the continuity of the vein systems and identify high-priority targets for follow-up drilling during the 2026 field season. Should significant anomalies be detected, a more detailed Pole–Dipole IP survey will follow to refine target locations and depths.
Balancing Exploration Ambition with Safety
The field team exercised caution due to the rugged terrain and extreme temperatures, limiting the extent of on-foot mapping and sampling. This prudent approach ensured safety without compromising the quality of geological observations. The reconnaissance program included a small soil grid at the Chablo Prospect, complementing rock chip sampling and providing a broader geochemical context. Assay results from these samples are expected in approximately five weeks, which will be critical to validating the visual mineralisation estimates and guiding subsequent exploration phases.
Strategic Implications for Litchfield Minerals
This initial fieldwork marks a significant milestone for Litchfield Minerals as it advances its critical minerals exploration portfolio. The confirmation of a large, structurally controlled mineralised corridor with visible base metal sulphides enhances the project's attractiveness. The upcoming geophysical survey represents a cost-effective and strategic step to unlock the project's potential, positioning Litchfield to define drill-ready targets that could underpin future resource development. Investors will be watching closely as assay results and geophysical data emerge in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
With promising reconnaissance results and a targeted geophysical survey imminent, Silver Valley could soon reveal its true mineral potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the upcoming assay results reveal about the grade and extent of mineralisation?
- How effectively will the GAIP survey delineate subsurface mineralised structures under cover?
- What are the timelines and budget implications for drilling and further exploration in 2026?