Wildcat Resources has successfully intercepted spodumene in every drill hole at its Bolt Cutter Central lithium discovery in Western Australia, advancing metallurgical testing and exploration plans.
- Spodumene mineralisation confirmed in all metallurgical drill holes
- Metallurgical testwork underway with results expected in Q2 2026
- Discovery remains open along strike and at depth with stacked pegmatites
- RC drilling planned in Q1 2026 to expand and infill resource model
- Wildcat holds $48.5 million cash as of December 2025
Spodumene Confirmed Across Bolt Cutter Central
Australian lithium explorer Wildcat Resources Limited (ASX, WC8) has reported a significant milestone at its Bolt Cutter Central discovery in Western Australia’s Pilbara region. The company’s recent metallurgical diamond drilling program intercepted spodumene; a key lithium-bearing mineral; in every hole drilled. This consistent presence of spodumene across the pegmatite swarm reinforces the prospectivity of the discovery, which remains open in multiple directions.
Located just 10 kilometres west of Wildcat’s advanced Tabba Tabba Project, Bolt Cutter Central is emerging as a promising new lithium target. The discovery features stacked pegmatite dykes hosted within granodiorite, with mineralisation extending over 2 kilometres northwest and up to 800 metres northeast. Encouragingly, some spodumene crystals observed in the diamond core exceed 100 millimetres in length, a factor that may influence processing options.
Metallurgical Testing and Exploration Progress
Wildcat has commenced metallurgical testwork on the diamond core samples, aiming to assess the suitability of the ore for processing through the existing Tabba Tabba flowsheet. The presence of coarse spodumene crystals has prompted consideration of dense media separation (DMS) techniques as part of the processing evaluation. Results from these tests are anticipated in the second quarter of 2026, which will be pivotal in refining the development pathway for the Bolt Cutter Central deposit.
Following the metallurgical program, Wildcat plans to accelerate exploration with a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This program will focus on stepping out and infilling the discovery to support resource modelling efforts. Additionally, first-pass exploration is planned for an adjacent tenement (E45/5416) once heritage surveys are complete, potentially expanding the lithium footprint in the area.
Strategic Positioning and Future Outlook
Wildcat’s Tabba Tabba Project, located nearby, already hosts a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of 74.1 million tonnes at 1.0% lithium oxide, positioning the company well within the competitive Pilbara lithium landscape. The Bolt Cutter Central discovery adds a new dimension to Wildcat’s portfolio, with ongoing drilling and exploration expected to enhance the company’s resource base.
Environmental studies and preparations for a Mining Lease Application at Bolt Cutter Central are underway, signalling Wildcat’s intent to advance the project towards development. With a strong cash position of $48.5 million as of December 2025, the company appears well-funded to execute its exploration and development plans.
While visual estimates of mineralisation provide early optimism, Wildcat cautions that laboratory assays are required to confirm mineralogy, grade, and widths. Investors will be keenly awaiting the metallurgical results and further drilling outcomes to better understand the deposit’s economic potential.
Bottom Line?
Bolt Cutter Central’s spodumene confirmation sets the stage for resource growth and processing insights in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the metallurgical test results reveal about processing efficiency and recovery rates?
- How extensive is the spodumene mineralisation beyond currently drilled areas at Bolt Cutter Central?
- When can investors expect a maiden Mineral Resource estimate and what size might it be?