Tali’s Major Exploration Push Faces High Stakes in Untested West Arunta Prospects

A Step Change in Exploration Activity

Tali Resources Ltd (ASX:TR2) has announced a significant escalation in its exploration efforts at the West Arunta Project in Western Australia for 2026. The company plans to commence a 10,000-metre aircore drilling program in May, targeting a diverse suite of minerals including copper, gold, and critical minerals across ten distinct prospects. This marks a more than fivefold increase in drilling compared to 2025, signalling Tali’s commitment to aggressively advancing its flagship project.

Targeting High-Priority Prospects

The initial drilling campaign will focus on prospects such as Caspian East, Caspian North, Chilka, Gibson West, and others, many of which have never been drill-tested before. These targets are identified based on gravity and magnetic anomalies proximal to the Central Australian Suture, a major crustal structure believed to be conducive to mineralisation. The company’s Managing Director, Rhys Bradley, emphasised the strategic selection of these drill-ready prospects, each meeting criteria for preferred commodities and potential economic scale.

Complementary Geophysical Surveys

In addition to drilling, Tali will undertake a large-scale Falcon airborne gravity gradiometry survey covering approximately 5,000 line-kilometres starting in April. This high-resolution survey aims to fill gaps in existing regional data and refine the geological understanding of the area. The survey will be complemented by new airborne magnetic and radiometric data scheduled for release by the Geological Survey of Western Australia in April. The integration of these datasets is expected to sharpen targeting and potentially reveal new anomalies for follow-up.

Second Half Drilling and Government Support

Looking beyond the initial program, Tali plans further drilling in the second half of 2026 at the Khya, Don Juan, and Alakol prospects. Khya, in particular, stands out with a large-scale gravity and magnetic anomaly adjacent to the Lasseters Shear Zone, an area with no prior drilling but significant mineralisation potential. The company has secured a $220,000 Exploration Incentive Scheme grant from the Western Australian government to co-fund drilling at Khya and the nearby Vanda prospect, underscoring public sector confidence in Tali’s exploration strategy.

Building on Past Discoveries

Don Juan and Alakol prospects form part of a 45-kilometre system of alkaline ultramafic dykes, with previous drilling intersecting rare earth element-bearing aillikites. Further drilling aims to delineate the extent and economic potential of these critical mineral-rich units. The company’s ongoing geological review, including re-logging historic drill samples and integrating new geophysical data, will continue to refine the project’s structural framework and mineral systems model.

Supporting Activities and Forward Outlook

Alongside drilling and surveys, Tali will conduct soil sampling and heritage surveys to support exploration activities responsibly. The company’s methodical approach, combining modern geophysical techniques with targeted drilling, positions it well to unlock the West Arunta Project’s potential. Investors and industry watchers will be keenly awaiting the results of the May drilling program and subsequent data interpretations, which could significantly impact Tali’s resource base and valuation.