Litchfield Secures US$500K BHP Funding and Extends Oonagalabi Copper-Zinc Mineralisation

BHP Xplor Selection Bolsters Exploration Funding and Expertise

Litchfield Minerals (ASX:LMS) secured a significant boost this quarter by joining BHP’s 2026 Xplor Accelerator Program, earning US$500,000 in non-dilutive funding alongside access to BHP’s technical specialists and global exploration frameworks. This partnership provides a strategic catalyst as Litchfield advances its Oonagalabi copper-zinc project in the Northern Territory, underpinning confidence in the company’s mineral systems model and exploration strategy. The funding and mentorship come at a pivotal time when Litchfield is integrating new geophysical data and refining its targeting approach.

Thick Copper-Zinc Mineralisation Confirms Oonagalabi’s Scale

The quarter’s drilling results from the Oonagalabi Main Zone reinforced the project’s potential as a large-scale copper-zinc discovery. Notably, hole OGRC017 returned 128 metres at 0.60% copper and 1.00% zinc from 23 metres depth, including multiple higher-grade zones, while OGRC016 intercepted 91 metres at similar grades from the same depth. These thick, near-surface mineralised intervals materially strengthen the case for Oonagalabi’s continuity and scale, supporting Litchfield’s strategy to delineate both lateral and vertical extents of the mineral system. At VT2, broad sulphide intervals suggest a distal halo to the main mineralisation, expanding the district-scale potential.

Geophysical Surveys Expand Target Pipeline at Oonagalabi

Ground electromagnetic (EM) and induced polarisation (IP) surveys materially expanded Litchfield’s target portfolio. At VT1, six conductor plates were modelled, including strong 1,500 and 3,000 Siemens conductors closely associated with a 1-kilometre carbonate unit, a hallmark of the Oonagalabi system. VT2’s conductive zone extended over 400 metres, validated by downhole EM and supported by IP chargeability anomalies. The IP survey further identified four chargeability trends, including a 5-kilometre corridor between VT1 and VT2 and a deeper Silverado Deeps anomaly commencing around 300 metres below surface. These results highlight potential for concealed mineralisation and blind targets along strike and at depth, reinforcing the mineral system’s complexity and prospectivity. This suite of geophysical data underpins the company’s prioritisation of future drilling and capital allocation at Oonagalabi, as it awaits further analysis from leading industry consultants. The company’s expanding geophysical framework builds on earlier findings detailed in the IP survey confirms strong link and Ground EM defines 3,000-Siemens Conductor.

Diamond Drilling Targets Deeper Mineral System Plumbing

Litchfield commenced diamond drilling at the Bomb-Diggity intrusive target and the Oonagalabi Main Zone Magnetic Finger to test interpreted heat, fluid, and metal source zones. These holes aim to probe the deeper ‘plumbing’ of the mineral system, an important step toward understanding the genesis and scale of mineralisation. The drilling program benefits from co-funding by the Northern Territory Geological Survey’s GDC Round 18, underscoring technical validation of Litchfield’s exploration model. This phase complements ongoing reverse circulation (RC) drilling and geophysical surveys designed to define higher-grade zones and expand the mineralised footprint.

Advances at Secondary Projects Lucy Creek and Silver Valley

Beyond Oonagalabi, Litchfield progressed exploration at its Lucy Creek manganese project with a 5,523 line-kilometre airborne magnetic and radiometric survey. This survey aims to refine structural and stratigraphic understanding of an underexplored manganese system within the Georgina Basin, enhancing target ranking for follow-up fieldwork and drilling. Meanwhile, reconnaissance at Silver Valley confirmed a structurally controlled quartz reef and vein system with visible chalcopyrite and galena sulphides, supporting further target generation despite operational constraints from extreme heat. These efforts at secondary projects diversify Litchfield’s portfolio and offer additional avenues for mineral discovery.

Operational Challenges Managed Amid Team Transition

The quarter was marked by operational headwinds including extreme heat, heavy rainfall, rugged terrain, and a key internal transition following the departure of Exploration Manager Russell Dow. Despite these disruptions, Litchfield maintained momentum across drilling, geophysics, and regional mapping programs. The company’s ability to navigate these challenges without losing technical progress bodes well for sustaining exploration activities in remote and demanding environments. Cash at quarter-end stood at $5.4 million, supporting ongoing workstreams and strategic initiatives.