Black Cat Syndicate’s recent drilling at Mt Clement reinforces the continuity of high-grade antimony mineralisation, setting the stage for a pivotal economic study later this year.
- Completed 24-hole diamond drilling program at Mt Clement
- All six reported holes intersected significant antimony-lead-silver mineralisation
- Metallurgical test work underway to optimise antimony recoveries
- Economic study scheduled for September 2026 quarter
- Black Cat to join government critical minerals delegation to North America
Drilling Success at Mt Clement
Black Cat Syndicate Limited has announced encouraging results from its recently completed diamond drilling program at the Mt Clement Antimony Project in Western Australia. The 24-hole campaign, spanning nearly 7,000 metres, primarily targeted the Taipan Lode, which currently hosts an inferred resource of 13.2 kilotonnes at 1.7% antimony. Assays from six holes confirm consistent antimony-lead-silver mineralisation, underscoring the geological continuity of this critical mineral deposit.
Notably, one drill hole intersected 6.9 metres grading 2.18% antimony, 6.04% lead, and 45.91 grams per tonne silver, including a high-grade sub-interval with nearly 12% antimony and 28.7% lead. These results align well with historical data and suggest potential for resource expansion.
Broader Geological Insights and Metallurgical Work
Beyond the Taipan Lode, mineralisation was also confirmed in the Dugite and Gwardar lodes, validating surface mapping and enhancing the company’s geological model. This broader understanding is crucial as Black Cat advances metallurgical test work focused on maximising antimony recoveries. Previous studies, although focused on lead, achieved approximately 85% antimony recovery, which is expected to improve with the current targeted approach.
Metallurgical outcomes will directly inform the design of processing circuits, with a sulphide flotation plant proposed near the nearby Paulsens Gold Operation, leveraging existing infrastructure to reduce capital and operational costs.
Strategic Importance and Upcoming Economic Study
Antimony is recognised as a critical mineral by both Australian and US governments, reflecting its strategic value in defence and clean energy technologies. The recent bilateral framework between Australia and the United States aims to secure supply chains for such minerals, positioning Mt Clement as a potentially significant contributor.
Black Cat plans to restart drilling in March 2026 and expects to complete an economic study by the September quarter. This study will evaluate project viability, incorporating drilling results and metallurgical data. Additionally, Black Cat will participate in a Western Australian government delegation to North America to showcase Mt Clement, highlighting its role in critical minerals supply.
Context Within Black Cat’s Portfolio
Mt Clement complements Black Cat’s existing gold operations at Kal East and Paulsens, expanding the company’s footprint into critical minerals. Located just 30 kilometres from Paulsens, Mt Clement benefits from proximity to established infrastructure and potential government-backed financing through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility.
With a current inferred resource and a conceptual exploration target ranging up to 103 kilotonnes at grades between 1.2% and 1.9% antimony, the project holds significant upside potential. The company’s methodical approach to drilling, resource definition, and metallurgical optimisation reflects a clear pathway towards development.
Bottom Line?
As Black Cat advances Mt Clement towards an economic study, the evolving antimony market and government support could prove decisive for its future.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the pending assays from the remaining 15 drill holes confirm further resource growth?
- How will metallurgical test results influence the design and cost of the proposed processing plant?
- What impact will evolving government policies and critical mineral strategies have on project financing and timelines?