Litchfield Minerals has completed a 3,000m drilling campaign at Oonagalabi with assay results due in May, while surface sampling at Silver Valley reveals exceptional silver and lead grades, highlighting promising polymetallic mineralisation.
- Completed 11 RC and 3 diamond holes at Oonagalabi totaling 3,005m
- Silver Valley rock chips assay up to 378 g/t silver and 44.9% lead
- Oonagalabi assay results expected in May 2026
- Further geophysical surveys planned to define drilling targets
- Company to host webinar detailing exploration progress and BHP partnership
Oonagalabi Drilling Campaign Concludes with Results Pending
Litchfield Minerals Limited (ASX:LMS) has wrapped up a substantial drilling program at its Oonagalabi Project in the Northern Territory, completing 11 reverse circulation (RC) holes and 3 diamond drill holes for a combined 3,005 meters. The drilling targeted extensions to the main Oonagalabi prospect, the Bomb-Diggity target, and several geophysical anomalies identified through electromagnetic (EM), magnetic, and induced polarisation (IP) surveys. Despite operational challenges, including adapting to changing conditions mid-campaign, the team delivered the program on schedule, maintaining momentum across key zones such as the Main Zone, VT1, and VT2.
Assay results from this program are anticipated in May 2026, which will be critical to refining the geological model and informing the next phase of exploration. The recent drilling follows a series of updates including new IP data that expanded the understanding of the mineral system, underscoring the potential for high-grade copper-zinc mineralisation at depth and along strike. This ongoing work builds on earlier successes, including a 161-meter continuous copper-zinc intercept reported earlier this year, reinforcing the project's scale and promise. The company’s resilience amid weather and logistical hurdles echoes the recent Oonagalabi drilling advances despite weather setbacks.
Silver Valley Surface Sampling Uncovers Exceptional Polymetallic Grades
While awaiting Oonagalabi assay results, Litchfield has unveiled standout rock chip assay results from its Silver Valley Project, also in the Northern Territory. Reconnaissance sampling in March 2026 returned remarkable grades including 378 grams per tonne (g/t) silver, 44.9% lead, 5.04% copper, and 0.91 g/t gold from sample SV2-04. Another sample, SV3-01, yielded 128 g/t silver and 16.1% lead, confirming the presence of high-grade polymetallic mineralisation associated with quartz veining.
These surface results validate the company's hypothesis of a large-scale, structurally controlled mineralised system at Silver Valley. The mineralisation is hosted within quartz veins cutting through basaltic host rocks, with visible sulphides and historical mining activity suggesting continuity and preservation of the system. The high-grade surface mineralisation, combined with extensive quartz reef development, positions Silver Valley as a compelling near-term exploration opportunity within Litchfield’s portfolio.
Next Steps Focus on Defining Drill Targets and Strategic Communication
Looking ahead, Litchfield plans further fieldwork in May 2026 to map additional surface mineralisation and delineate the geometry of quartz veining across the Silver Valley tenement. This will be complemented by an induced polarisation (IP) geophysical survey designed to detect sulphide mineralisation at depth and beneath shallow cover, transitioning Silver Valley from surface reconnaissance to drill-ready targets.
At Oonagalabi, assay results from the recent drilling will be integrated with geological logging and geophysical data to prioritise high-confidence targets for follow-up drilling. The company also intends to host a webinar mid-next week to present its AGES conference findings and elaborate on its involvement in the BHP Xplor Program, outlining strategic workstreams and their rationale. This initiative aims to keep shareholders informed about the district-scale exploration advances and the evolving partnership with BHP, which could be pivotal in unlocking value.
Bottom Line?
Silver Valley’s surface grades inject fresh excitement into Litchfield’s portfolio, but the real test lies in confirming continuity and scale through upcoming drilling and geophysical surveys.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Oonagalabi drilling assays confirm extensions of high-grade mineralisation at depth?
- Can Silver Valley’s surface high grades translate into economically viable resources with depth continuity?
- How will the collaboration with BHP under the Xplor Program influence Litchfield’s exploration strategy and capital allocation?