Diablo Resources has significantly increased its Star Range critical minerals project footprint in Utah, securing additional claims that extend the high-grade North Star Prospect. The move sets the stage for imminent drilling and advances the company’s alignment with US critical minerals supply goals.
- Project footprint expanded by 52 unpatented lode claims
- New claims cover ~1,000m extension of North Star mineralised trend
- Surface samples show exceptionally high silver, antimony, copper, and gold grades
- Ground geochemical sampling and geophysics underway ahead of maiden drilling
- Project supports US domestic critical minerals strategy
Project Expansion and Strategic Context
Diablo Resources has announced a substantial increase in the size of its Star Range critical minerals project located in southwestern Utah. By staking an additional 52 unpatented lode claims, the company has expanded its landholding to 238 claims, covering approximately 18.5 square kilometres. This expansion secures a northerly extension of the North Star Prospect, which has been identified as the highest-priority drill target within the project.
The Star Range project is strategically positioned near historical mining centres such as Milford and the Horn Silver Mine, which produced significant quantities of silver, gold, and copper in the early 20th century. The proximity to existing infrastructure, including power lines, pipelines, and railways, enhances the project's logistical appeal.
High-Grade Mineralisation Highlights
Surface sampling and mapping over the newly acquired ground have revealed impressive polymetallic mineralisation. Rock samples from the North Star Prospect extension returned exceptionally high grades, including silver concentrations exceeding 3,000 grams per tonne, antimony up to 0.7%, copper over 2.6%, and notable gold values. These grades underscore the prospect’s potential as a significant source of critical minerals.
The mineralised trend at North Star now extends over approximately 4,000 metres in total strike length, with around 1,000 metres within the newly acquired claims. This district-scale potential is particularly relevant given the increasing demand for critical minerals like silver and antimony, which are essential for various industrial and technological applications.
Advancing Exploration Towards Drilling
Diablo Resources is actively progressing its exploration program with ongoing soil geochemical sampling and detailed mapping across the expanded project area. The company is also preparing for a ground-based Induced Polarisation (IP) geophysical survey, designed to refine drill targets and better understand subsurface mineralisation patterns.
CEO Lyle Thorne emphasised the significance of the recent claims acquisition, noting that it enhances the company’s ability to define a meaningful domestic source of antimony and silver. He highlighted the synergy between high-grade surface samples and geophysical targets, expressing confidence as the company moves towards its maiden drilling campaign.
Alignment with US Critical Minerals Strategy
The Star Range project aligns closely with the US Government’s critical minerals strategy, which prioritises securing domestic supplies of essential minerals to reduce reliance on foreign sources. Antimony and silver are both listed as critical minerals due to their importance in manufacturing, electronics, and defence sectors.
By expanding its footprint and advancing exploration, Diablo Resources positions itself as a potential key player in supplying these vital materials. The project’s location on Bureau of Land Management-administered lands also facilitates regulatory processes, potentially accelerating development timelines.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade surface results and expanded ground, Diablo Resources is poised to deliver critical insights from its upcoming drilling program that could reshape domestic mineral supply.
Questions in the middle?
- What will maiden drilling reveal about the size and continuity of mineralisation at North Star?
- How will geophysical survey results refine the understanding of subsurface targets?
- What timelines and capital commitments will Diablo Resources set for advancing the project?