American West Metals has reported exceptional assay results from resampling historical drill core at its West Desert Project in Utah, revealing high-grade indium, copper, zinc, silver, and lead. The new data expands known mineralised intervals and supports ongoing drilling and government engagement.
- High-grade assays up to 1,065g/t silver and 155g/t indium
- Historical core resampling expands mineralised intervals
- Potential to upgrade and expand JORC Mineral Resource Estimate
- Drilling program accelerated with second rig secured
- Engagement with US government on critical metals supply
Resampling Unlocks High-Grade Critical Metals
American West Metals (ASX:AW1) has unveiled striking assay results from previously unsampled historical drill core at its 100%-owned West Desert Project in Utah. The resampling confirmed exceptional grades of critical metals including indium up to 155g/t, silver peaking at 1,065g/t, gallium at 40.4g/t, alongside robust base metals with zinc reaching 9.5%, copper 2.34%, and lead 9.9%. These figures not only validate the deposit’s high-grade nature but also reveal expanded mineralised intervals that were overlooked in earlier resource models.
For instance, drill hole C07-01’s copper-bearing interval extended from 1.2m to 3.6m with consistent indium grades around 20g/t, while zinc intervals in the same hole stretched from 36m to nearly 40m. Similar expansions were noted in other holes, highlighting the potential to upgrade and enlarge the current JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) which already hosts the largest undeveloped indium resource in the US.
Resource Growth and Exploration Momentum
The West Desert MRE currently stands at 33.7 million tonnes averaging 3.83% zinc, 0.15% copper, and 9.0g/t silver, with indium and gold classified as inferred resources at 20g/t and 0.1g/t respectively. The recent assays provide a pathway to upgrade indium and gold resources to the indicated category by filling critical data gaps; only 35% of historical drilling was assayed for indium previously.
American West Metals has accelerated its 2026 drilling campaign, now operating two diamond rigs to test resource expansion and high-priority exploration targets along a 4km magnetic trend associated with zinc-copper-indium skarns. Assay results from the first two holes are imminent, with down-hole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys planned to refine target definition.
Strategic Engagement and Project Significance
Beyond exploration, the company has recently engaged with senior US government officials in Washington DC, underscoring the West Desert Project’s strategic importance in securing domestic supplies of critical metals vital for energy transition technologies. Managing Director Dave O’Neill emphasised the project’s potential to contribute significantly to America’s critical minerals supply chain while delivering long-term shareholder value.
West Desert’s geological setting as a zinc-copper skarn and carbonate replacement deposit, split by the Juab Fault into Main and Deep Zones, remains underexplored with mineralisation open in all directions. The deposit’s proximity to world-class mining districts and its significant critical metal inventory position it as a compelling development opportunity.
Next Steps and Market Implications
With assays from ongoing drilling expected shortly and a fully funded program in place, American West Metals is poised to refine its resource model and advance metallurgical studies. The expanded drilling and fresh assay data will be crucial in updating the JORC resource and underpinning future economic studies.
The combination of high-grade critical metal discoveries, resource expansion potential, and strategic government engagement suggests West Desert could play a pivotal role in North America’s critical minerals landscape. Investors should watch closely for the upcoming assay releases and resource updates that will clarify the project's growth trajectory.
Bottom Line?
American West Metals’ new high-grade assays and expanded drilling program at West Desert reinforce its position as a key player in US critical metals supply, with resource upgrades and government support on the horizon.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming assay results from the 2026 drilling program impact the West Desert resource classification?
- What are the timelines and potential outcomes of American West Metals’ engagement with US government agencies?
- Could further exploration along the 4km magnetic trend reveal additional high-grade skarn mineralisation?