Litchfield Minerals has confirmed thick, continuous copper and zinc mineralisation at its Oonagalabi Project, with standout drill results reinforcing the system's scale and potential. The company plans further drilling and geophysical work to target higher-grade zones and expand the mineralised footprint.
- 128m intercept at 0.60% Cu, 1.00% Zn including multiple high-grade zones
- 161m continuous mineralisation from near surface in hole OGRC017
- Large blind sulphide system confirmed at VT2, interpreted as a sulphide halo
- Mineralisation remains open along strike and down-dip with multiple undrilled targets
- Phase 3 diamond and RC drilling planned alongside deep-seeking geophysics
Robust Copper-Zinc System Confirmed
Litchfield Minerals Limited (ASX, LMS) has reported compelling assay results from its Phase 2 reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Oonagalabi Project in Australia's Northern Territory. The standout intercept, OGRC017, returned a broad mineralised package of 128 metres grading 0.60% copper and 1.00% zinc from just 23 metres below surface, including multiple higher-grade internal zones. When zinc is calculated separately, this intercept extends to 161 metres at 0.50% copper and 1.00% zinc, underscoring the thickness and continuity of the mineralisation.
These results reinforce Litchfield's view that Oonagalabi hosts a large, polymetallic copper-zinc system with genuine scale and robustness. The mineralisation is characterised by broad envelopes hosting stacked, higher-grade zones; a hallmark of significant base metal deposits. Importantly, the mineralised system remains open both laterally and at depth, with large areas yet to be tested by drilling.
VT2, A Sulphide Halo and New Exploration Frontiers
At the VT2 target, drilling has intersected a large, blind sulphide system coincident with strong electromagnetic conductors. While grades here are currently below Litchfield’s ultimate targets, the presence of widespread iron-rich sulphides such as pyrrhotite, along with sphalerite and chalcopyrite, is interpreted as a sulphide halo surrounding higher-grade feeder zones. This interpretation aligns with geological models of intrusive-related polymetallic systems, where broad sulphide halos encircle more discrete, higher-grade mineralisation.
Litchfield is shifting its exploration focus at VT2 towards vectoring in on these feeder zones using deeper geophysical techniques, chargeability trends, structural analysis, and targeted step-out drilling. This strategic pivot marks a transition from proving the existence of mineralisation to actively seeking the zones where grades upgrade significantly.
Strategic Drilling and Growth Potential
The company’s drilling strategy has been methodical, initially focusing on defining the lateral and vertical extent of the thick mineralised package before moving inward to target higher-grade cores. Phase 3 diamond drilling is underway, with further RC drilling planned for mid- to late-February, targeting high-priority conductors and extensions to the main zone. Additionally, Phase 4 drilling is anticipated to commence around April, expanding exploration into the southern portions of the system.
With technical input from BHP and ongoing geophysical surveys, Litchfield is well-positioned to continue delivering meaningful exploration results throughout 2026. The combination of thick, continuous mineralisation near surface and the identification of deeper sulphide systems offers multiple pathways for resource growth and grade enhancement.
Environmental and Technical Commitment
Litchfield Minerals emphasises its commitment to responsible exploration practices, leveraging cutting-edge technology to minimise environmental impact while advancing its copper exploration objectives. The company’s approach balances innovation with sustainability, aiming to unlock the full potential of critical base metals essential for future industries.
Bottom Line?
As Litchfield advances drilling and geophysical programs, the market will watch closely for breakthroughs in higher-grade feeder zones that could define Oonagalabi’s economic potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming Phase 3 and 4 drilling confirm higher-grade feeder zones at VT2?
- How will Litchfield’s collaboration with BHP influence exploration success and resource definition?
- What are the timelines and prospects for converting these exploration results into a defined mineral resource?