Lightning Minerals has revealed exceptional tungsten assay results from its Warby Project in North Queensland, confirming widespread high-grade mineralisation across multiple vein systems within a 2km corridor.
- Widespread tungsten mineralisation with assays up to >5% W
- Multiple wolframite-bearing vein systems identified over 2km
- Mineralisation present in quartz veins, altered granite, and greisen
- Follow-up exploration planned for Q3 2026 to define extent
- Project located in a strategic tungsten province with no prior systematic exploration
High-Grade Tungsten Confirmed at Warby
Lightning Minerals Limited (ASX:L1M) has delivered a strong early signal of tungsten potential at its 100%-owned Warby Project in North Queensland, with rock chip assays returning grades from 750ppm tungsten (W) up to an astonishing >50,000ppm (over 5% W). These results confirm extensive high-grade mineralisation across multiple wolframite-bearing quartz vein systems within a 2-kilometre structural corridor.
The standout assays include several samples exceeding 3% tungsten, with the highest-grade sample sourced from historical tailings material associated with hand-sorted wolframite-rich quartz veins. The mineralisation is not confined to quartz veins but also occurs within altered pegmatitic granite and greisen, suggesting a broader intrusive-related hydrothermal system that could extend beyond discrete veins.
Geological Setting and Mineralisation Characteristics
The Warby Project lies within the Meso-Proterozoic Lyndbrook Complex, adjacent to the Angor Granite, part of the O’Briens Creek Supersuite; a region recognised for tin-tungsten mineralisation. Reconnaissance mapping identified eight vein systems with historical workings dating back to the early 1900s, although these workings are shallow, collapsed, and heavily vegetated, limiting field measurements.
Geological logging reveals at least two generations of tungsten-bearing quartz veins: early-stage brecciated milky quartz veins with wolframite and elevated copper, tin, and local gold; and later-stage glassy quartz veins hosting coarse wolframite crystals. Elevated bismuth, tin, and copper values accompany the tungsten mineralisation, reinforcing the prospectivity of the system.
Early-Stage Sampling and Next Steps
The 14 rock chip samples were collected from historical dump material and submitted to ALS Laboratories for high-grade rare earth element fusion ICP-MS analysis. While the sampling confirms the presence of significant tungsten mineralisation, Lightning Minerals cautions that these selective rock chip samples may not represent average grades or continuity within the system.
Chief Executive Officer Troy Brice emphasised the encouraging nature of these early results, stating they provide confidence in the potential scale and continuity of mineralisation. The company plans a comprehensive follow-up exploration program in Q3 2026, including infill drainage geochemistry, systematic soil sampling, detailed geological mapping, extension sampling of historical workings, and drill target assessments.
Strategic Importance of Tungsten
Tungsten is classified as a critical mineral by several Western governments due to its indispensable role in industrial manufacturing, aerospace, defence, and advanced tooling, owing to its exceptional hardness and high melting point. The global tungsten supply is tightening, exacerbated by export restrictions from China, the dominant supplier. This elevates the strategic importance of projects like Warby, located in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions.
Lightning Minerals’ Warby Project represents a fresh tungsten exploration opportunity with no prior systematic work recorded, positioning the company to potentially capitalise on growing demand and supply constraints. The project’s geological setting, combined with the high-grade tungsten assays and associated mineralisation styles, warrants further systematic exploration to delineate a potentially significant tungsten resource.
Bottom Line?
Warby’s early high-grade tungsten assays open a promising new frontier for Lightning Minerals, but substantial exploration remains to define the system’s scale and economic viability.
Questions in the middle?
- How continuous and extensive is the tungsten mineralisation along the 2km corridor?
- Will follow-up drilling confirm the grades and support a maiden resource estimate?
- How might tightening global tungsten supply dynamics influence project development timelines?