Litchfield Minerals has released new induced polarisation survey results that reinforce and expand the mineral systems model at its Oonagalabi Project, Northern Territory, ahead of resumed diamond drilling.
- IP survey confirms strong link between magnetic structures and chargeability anomalies
- Identification of four chargeability trends including a 5km prospective corridor between VT1 and VT2
- Silverado Deeps anomaly detected at depth, suggesting potential for deeper mineralisation
- Diamond drilling recommences targeting structural and mineralogical insights
- RC drilling constrained by rig availability, with focus on high-priority targets
Exploration Update Bolsters Oonagalabi Model
Litchfield Minerals Limited has provided a comprehensive update on its ongoing exploration at the Oonagalabi Project in the Northern Territory. The latest induced polarisation (IP) survey results have validated the company’s mineral systems model, highlighting a robust spatial correlation between magnetic structures and chargeability anomalies. This correlation is a key vector in identifying mineralisation zones and has now been extended southward beyond previously known boundaries.
The survey identified four distinct chargeability trends, including a significant 5-kilometre prospective corridor stretching between the VT1 and VT2 zones. Notably, the Silverado Deeps anomaly was delineated at depths commencing around 300 metres below surface, indicating the potential for mineralisation at greater depths than previously tested. These findings suggest that earlier drilling may have only scratched the surface of a more extensive mineral system.
Geophysical Insights and Structural Controls
The strong alignment between magnetic features and IP chargeability responses reinforces the interpretation that mineralised zones are structurally controlled along magnetic corridors. This relationship has been a reliable guide for Litchfield’s exploration efforts, and the new data supports the existence of a continuous mineralised trend extending south of the known Oonagalabi deposit.
At VT1, IP lines intersected chargeability anomalies adjacent to magnetic features, consistent with both disseminated and massive sulphide mineralisation. The anomalies remain open along strike, underscoring the potential for a sizeable mineralised system. The company interprets these chargeability trends as representing subsurface Oonagalabi Formation rocks, which are known to host mineralisation controls.
Drilling Resumes Amid Operational Challenges
Diamond drilling operations have recommenced following a weather-related pause caused by heavy rainfall in Central Australia. Two diamond holes were completed in the previous campaign targeting the Bomb Diggity intrusion-related target and the Central Main Zone to improve geological understanding. Upcoming drilling plans include a diamond hole adjacent to OGRC002 to obtain continuous core for detailed structural and mineralogical analysis, focusing on the gold–bismuth–magnetite assemblage.
While diamond drilling continues, reverse circulation (RC) drilling remains constrained due to limited rig availability and terrain challenges. The company plans to prioritise targets accessible to the larger diamond rig and defer others until smaller, more mobile rigs become available. This strategic approach aims to maintain exploration momentum while adapting to logistical limitations.
Looking Ahead
Litchfield Minerals is integrating the new IP and magnetic data into its ongoing geological modelling to refine targeting and guide further exploration. The company’s managing director, Matt Pustahya, emphasised the significance of the magnetic corridors as high-priority growth vectors and expressed optimism about expanding the mineralised footprint. The combination of geophysical validation and renewed drilling activity positions Oonagalabi as a compelling exploration story to watch.
Bottom Line?
With geophysical data confirming structural corridors and drilling resuming, Litchfield Minerals is poised to unlock deeper and broader mineralisation at Oonagalabi.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming diamond drilling confirm the depth and continuity of the Silverado Deeps anomaly?
- How will rig availability and terrain constraints impact the pace and scope of RC drilling?
- Could the interpreted 5km mineralised corridor between VT1 and VT2 lead to a significant resource upgrade?