Stelar Metals has wrapped up its initial fieldwork at the Hill of Leaders Tungsten Project, setting the stage for drilling campaigns later this year and marking a significant step in exploring a largely untouched mineralised system in the Northern Territory.
- Phase 1 geological mapping and sampling completed over 2km mineralised corridor
- Rock chip samples dispatched for assays, results expected late June 2026
- Planning underway for July Reverse Circulation drilling program
- No prior bedrock drilling beneath mineralised veins, presenting first-mover opportunity
- Further drilling phases scheduled through 2026 to test resource potential
Phase 1 Fieldwork Completes with Samples Sent for Assay
Stelar Metals (ASX:SLB) has successfully concluded the first phase of its field program at the Hill of Leaders Tungsten Project in the Northern Territory, advancing its exploration campaign in a region long known for tungsten but never drilled beneath the mineralised veins. The program involved detailed geological mapping and surface sampling across a mineralised corridor exceeding 2 kilometres, including historic workings dating back to the 1950s.
Rock chip and grab samples collected from outcrops, vein exposures, and old trenches have been dispatched to an accredited laboratory for multi-element assays focusing on tungsten (WO₃) and copper. The company anticipates receiving these assay results by late June 2026, which will be crucial in guiding the next steps of exploration.
Historic High-Grade Surface Samples Raise Expectations
Previous surface sampling at Hill of Leaders, conducted before Stelar's involvement, returned impressive tungsten grades, with standout results including 6.1% WO₃ and 2.1% WO₃ combined with 11.85% copper. These figures underscore the potential scale and grade of the mineralisation, though it remains to be seen if these grades extend at depth or laterally.
Stelar's Phase 1 program aimed to test the continuity of these exceptional surface grades and refine the geological understanding of vein swarm geometry, alteration patterns, and structural controls on mineralisation. The use of UV lamp scanning for scheelite identification and detailed mapping across prospects such as Curtis, Doria, and North Curtis has generated a more comprehensive picture of the mineralised system.
Drilling Campaigns to Follow in Second Half of 2026
With the groundwork complete, Stelar is on track to commence Phase 1 Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling in July 2026, targeting roughly 3,000 metres across three sections. This will be followed by diamond drilling in the third quarter to further investigate promising zones identified by RC drilling.
Looking beyond, the company plans Phase 2 drilling campaigns, including both RC and diamond drilling, aimed at advancing towards resource definition. The Hill of Leaders Project is notable for being a first-mover opportunity, as no bedrock drilling has previously been undertaken beneath the mineralised veins, offering Stelar a chance to make a significant discovery in a well-established tungsten province.
Strategic Location and Acquisition Agreement Support Development Potential
Located approximately 80 kilometres from Tennant Creek and well connected to Darwin Port via major road and rail infrastructure, the Hill of Leaders Project sits within exploration licence EL33232, covering 445 square kilometres. Stelar has secured an option to acquire 100% of the project through an earn-in agreement with F&H Brothers Metals Pty Ltd, positioning the company to fully control and develop this critical minerals asset.
The project aligns with Stelar's strategic focus on critical minerals essential for the energy transition, leveraging the expertise of its management team familiar with the Northern Territory's mining landscape. As tungsten prices remain buoyant amid global supply constraints, the Hill of Leaders Project could become a significant contributor to the company’s portfolio.
Bottom Line?
The upcoming assay results and July drilling program will be pivotal in determining whether Hill of Leaders can transition from promising surface grades to a viable tungsten resource.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the Phase 1 assay results confirm continuity of high-grade tungsten mineralisation at depth?
- How will the planned drilling campaigns refine the project's resource potential and economic viability?
- Can Stelar Metals leverage its first-mover advantage to establish a competitive position in the tungsten market?