Wildcat Targets 4.5Mtpa Processing in Tabba Tabba DFS with Updated Resource Inclusion

Optimised Mine Plan Targets Earlier Processing Expansion

Wildcat Resources Limited (ASX:WC8) is nearing completion of its Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) for the Tabba Tabba Project in Western Australia's Pilbara, with a clear focus on accelerating the Stage 2 processing plant expansion to 4.5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa). This optimisation aims to reduce pre-production mining strip ratios and capital expenditure, potentially bringing forward higher throughput and improving project economics.

Mine planning now includes earlier underground development of the Luke Orebody and integration of the Chewy Mineral Resource, expanding beyond the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) scope which only considered the Leia and Luke spodumene-dominant orebodies. The DFS will also incorporate processing of tantalum from Tabba Tabba and petalite from Chewy, Han, and Hutt, a move expected to add value and diversify product streams.

Strong Metallurgical Performance Supports Commissioning Confidence

Metallurgical testwork has delivered promising results, with spodumene concentrate from material representing years 1-2 of operations achieving a grade of 5.65% lithium oxide (Li2O) and a low iron oxide (Fe2O3) content of 0.63%. Overall lithium recovery for the early years is estimated at 77.7%, underscoring robust processing potential. The DFS process plant design review favoured a two-stage crushing circuit over the PFS's three-stage approach, reducing complexity and capital intensity without compromising throughput.

Petalite processing is being advanced to a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) level, with a 1 Mtpa capacity planned adjacent to the spodumene plant. Tantalum processing engineering is also underway, targeting a concentrate grade of 6.82% Ta2O5 with recoveries above 60%. These additions are expected to enhance the project's revenue streams and economic resilience.

Environmental and Approvals Progressing Toward Submission

Wildcat has substantially completed heritage and environmental surveys across the development envelope. Applications for environmental approvals under Western Australia's Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the Commonwealth's Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 are being finalised, with submissions expected imminently. Early engagement with regulatory bodies has been positive, helping to smooth the pathway toward project permitting.

Funding Discussions and Offtake Interest Gain Momentum

The company is actively engaged with government funding agencies, banks, and specialist mining financiers to secure development capital. Parallel discussions with potential strategic partners and Tier-1 offtake parties have generated encouraging interest, reflecting the strong spodumene pricing environment. These commercial engagements are critical to underpinning the project's long-term viability and value creation.

While the DFS is on track for delivery in the third quarter of calendar year 2026, key parameters such as life of mine, total ore and waste tonnes, and detailed cost estimates remain to be finalised. The Bolt Cutter Central Project, located 10 km from Tabba Tabba and recently expanded with high-grade lithium intercepts, remains outside the DFS scope but continues to advance in exploration and early development studies, potentially providing future growth options for Wildcat.

Wildcat’s comprehensive DFS work involves a consortium of expert consultants covering mine design, metallurgical testing, process engineering, environmental compliance, and financial modelling, ensuring a robust and integrated study. The company’s approach to backfill optimisation, favouring cemented rock fill for the DFS with ongoing evaluation of paste fill options, highlights a pragmatic balance between technical performance and cost control.

These developments build on Wildcat’s recent strides in resource expansion and metallurgical validation, positioning Tabba Tabba as a potentially significant lithium and tantalum producer in a globally strategic region. The project’s proximity to established lithium hubs like Pilgangoora and Wodgina adds logistical advantages, while the inclusion of tantalum and petalite processing could provide valuable diversification.

Wildcat’s DFS progress complements its ongoing exploration success at Bolt Cutter Central, where the company has recently extended the lithium mineralisation footprint beyond 2.3 km with multiple high-grade spodumene intercepts, reinforcing the region’s potential as a lithium province. This dual-track development and exploration strategy underscores Wildcat’s ambition to build a substantial lithium hub in the Pilbara.

Investors should watch for the DFS release and environmental approval submissions later this year, which will provide critical clarity on project economics, capital requirements, and development timelines. Meanwhile, funding and offtake negotiations will be pivotal in shaping the path to construction and production.