Tartana Minerals is advancing its strategic metals portfolio in Far North Queensland with a robust 2026 drilling program and ongoing copper sulphate production, aiming to unlock significant resource potential across silver, gold, and copper assets.
- 10,000 metres drilling planned for 2026 targeting silver, gold, and copper
- JORC resources include over 1 million ounces of gold and substantial copper and zinc deposits
- Ongoing copper sulphate production generating $3.2 million revenue with expansion plans
- High-grade silver targets at Nightflower and historic Montalbion mine poised for exploration
- Corporate moves include recent placements, convertible notes refinancing, and tenement acquisition
Strategic Metals Exploration in Chillagoe
Tartana Minerals Limited (ASX:TAT) has provided a comprehensive update on its exploration and production activities centred around the Chillagoe region in Far North Queensland. The company’s portfolio spans copper, gold, zinc, silver, tin, tungsten, and antimony, with multiple JORC resource estimates underpinning its growth ambitions. This cluster of mineral assets within a 25km radius of the Tartana mine site offers logistical advantages and positions the company well for operational efficiencies.
Key projects include the Nightflower Silver Project, where high-grade silver-lead-zinc-antimony lodes outcrop at surface, and the historic Montalbion silver mine, noted for its rich galena and silver grades. Both projects are drill-ready, with Nightflower’s Exploration Target recently restated between 2.75 to 5.36 million tonnes at significant silver equivalent grades, highlighting substantial upside potential.
Gold Resources and Copper Production Momentum
The Mountain Maid and Cardross projects boast maiden inferred gold mineral resources of 591,573 ounces and 502,323 ounces respectively, with both deposits remaining open for expansion. Notably, Cardross also contains copper and silver credits, with historical drill intersections suggesting further upside. The company is exploring ore sorting technologies to upgrade feed grades, potentially enhancing project economics.
On the production front, Tartana’s copper sulphate pentahydrate operation has generated $3.2 million in revenue over 24 months, maintaining a healthy operating margin above 40%. Plans are underway to expand production through plant upgrades and higher-grade copper feedstock, aiming to capitalise on the direct linkage of product pricing to the London Metal Exchange copper price.
Upcoming Drilling and Corporate Developments
Looking ahead, Tartana is gearing up for an active 2026 drilling campaign targeting silver, copper, and gold, with a proposed 10,000 metres of drilling. This includes testing extensions at Nightflower’s Digger and Terrace lodes, advancing gold exploration at Mountain Maid and Cardross, and initiating a deep drill hole at the Beefwood copper/gold project. The company has also lodged a CEI grant application to support this work.
Corporate activity includes recent capital raisings through placements and plans to refinance unsecured loans into convertible notes, subject to shareholder approval. Additionally, Tartana has agreed to acquire a tenement from Curwon Pty Ltd, further consolidating its regional footprint.
Outlook for Value Creation
Tartana’s multi-asset approach, combining exploration upside with ongoing production cashflow, sets the stage for multiple catalysts in 2026. The company’s focus on upgrading resources, expanding copper sulphate output, and progressing mining lease applications could unlock significant shareholder value. However, as with all exploration ventures, the outcomes of drilling and metallurgical testwork will be critical to confirming the full potential of these projects.
Bottom Line?
With a busy drilling calendar and production expansion plans, Tartana Minerals is poised for a pivotal year that could reshape its resource profile and market standing.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the 2026 drilling campaign confirm and expand the Nightflower silver resource as anticipated?
- How will ore sorting testwork impact the economic viability and grade of gold and copper resources at Cardross and Mountain Maid?
- What are the timelines and conditions for finalising the tenement acquisition and convertible notes refinancing?