Tartana Minerals reports compelling rock chip assay results revealing significant copper, silver, indium, and gold mineralisation across multiple prospects at its Cardross and Maid projects, underpinning plans to expand its 0.5 million ounce gold resource.
- High-grade assays include 11.4 g/t gold, 954 g/t silver, 13.3% copper, and 95 g/t indium
- Polymetallic mineralisation confirmed in structurally controlled zones around Cardross
- Results support potential by-product credits enhancing project economics
- No drilling yet; results will guide targeted drilling campaigns
- Mining lease applications secure tenure over key resource areas
Polymetallic Potential Emerges at Cardross
Tartana Minerals Limited (ASX, TAT) has unveiled a suite of high-grade assay results from recent rock chip sampling at its Cardross and Maid projects in Far North Queensland. The sampling program, covering 36 rock chip samples across multiple prospects, has confirmed the presence of significant copper, silver, indium, and gold mineralisation within structurally controlled zones. These findings reinforce the potential to expand and upgrade the company’s existing inferred gold resource of approximately 0.5 million ounces at Cardross.
Highlights include peak assays of 11.4 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, an exceptional 954 g/t silver, 13.3% copper, and 95 g/t indium. The presence of indium, a rare and strategically important metal, alongside copper and silver by-products could materially enhance the economic profile of the Cardross project, which has historically been considered primarily for its gold content.
Expanding the Resource Envelope
The recent rock chip sampling has identified multiple mineralised zones beyond the previously reported resource and exploration targets. Notably, discrete high-grade silver and copper lodes have been recognised within the Cardross mining lease area. These lodes, if confirmed through forthcoming drilling, may be incorporated into the broader low-grade, bulk-tonnage gold resource, potentially increasing overall resource grade and value.
Managing Director Dr Stephen Bartrop emphasised the significance of these results, noting that detailed mapping has revealed gold-bearing structures with grades exceeding the upper cut-off applied in the recent resource estimate. This suggests that further drilling could delineate additional gold ounces and improve the resource’s quality.
Strategic Exploration and Tenure Security
The Cardross and Maid projects are strategically located within the Chillagoe district, approximately 25 kilometres west of the Mungana mill, which Tartana currently operates. The company holds mining lease applications covering the key resource areas, securing tenure over highly prospective ground. The rock chip sampling program was designed to refine drill targets and scout new prospects such as Niugini Ridge, Spaniard, and Argosy, where no drilling has yet been undertaken.
Historical exploration and mining activities dating back over a century have been complemented by modern geological surveys and recent JORC-compliant resource estimates. Tartana’s systematic approach integrates these new assay results with existing data to prioritise future drilling campaigns aimed at resource expansion and upgrading.
Outlook and Next Steps
While no drilling results are reported in this announcement, the assay data provide a robust foundation for targeted drilling programs planned over the coming months. The confirmation of polymetallic mineralisation with significant by-product credits positions Tartana to potentially enhance project economics beyond gold alone. The company’s focus will be on converting exploration targets into defined mineral resources and advancing mining lease approvals.
Investors and analysts will be watching closely as Tartana progresses its exploration and development activities, with the potential to unlock additional value from this underexplored region of Far North Queensland.
Bottom Line?
Tartana’s latest assays spotlight a polymetallic prize at Cardross, setting the stage for resource growth and economic uplift.
Questions in the middle?
- How will by-product credits from copper, silver, and indium impact the overall project economics?
- What timelines and strategies will Tartana adopt for drilling to upgrade and expand the resource?
- How might the presence of high-grade silver and copper lodes influence the mining and processing approach?