Dart Mining has completed a key site visit to its historic Walwa Tin-Tungsten Project in Victoria, collecting samples and compiling historic drilling data ahead of planned diamond drilling in late 2026.
- Historic Walwa tin mine revisited with new sampling
- Over 100 historic drill holes being digitised for 3D modelling
- Diamond drilling planned for August-September targeting tin-rich greisen
- Strong access infrastructure confirmed for drilling at key prospects
- Tungsten prospects at McHargs and Koetong also under review
Site Visit Highlights Walwa's Tin Potential
Dart Mining NL (ASX:DTM) has taken a significant step forward in its Victorian tin-tungsten exploration with a recent field inspection of the historic Walwa tin mine area. The visit uncovered abundant sub-horizontal aplite-pegmatite dykes at Mt Alwa South and within the Walwa mine itself, which was Victoria’s largest hardrock tin producer historically. Grab and float samples showing visible cassiterite were collected from the 1970s open pit and surrounding areas, with assays due in 3 to 4 weeks.
The company emphasised the importance of this reconnaissance as groundwork for a diamond drilling campaign planned for August to September 2026. Dart’s chairman James Chirnside highlighted the team’s enthusiasm about the geological interpretation and the potential to target tin-bearing greisen zones beneath the stacked dykes.
Historic Drilling Data Digitised for 3D Targeting
Dart is currently compiling a substantial historic drilling database comprising approximately 20 diamond core and over 100 reverse circulation holes drilled since the late 1960s. This data is being digitised to develop a 3D geological model that will help prioritise drill targets at Walwa, Mt Alwa South, and the Bounce tin mine prospects, which lie within a 2km by 500-600m corridor of mineralisation.
The geological setting features multiple shallow-dipping tin-bearing greisenous aplite-pegmatite dykes ranging from 1 to 8 metres thick, forming a dome-like structure with dips varying from 20 to 30 degrees. These dykes commonly contain coarse cassiterite along their margins, and tantalum and niobium have been recorded in previous assays, indicating a complex mineral assemblage worthy of further exploration.
Drill Access and Infrastructure Confirmed
Field inspections confirmed extensive access track networks suitable for drilling rigs and support equipment at Walwa, Mt Alwa South, and the Bounce tin mine. These tracks remain in good condition, facilitating efficient mobilisation for the upcoming drilling program. Mt Alwa South, located about 500 metres south-southwest of Walwa, features bulldozed benches from prior drilling campaigns, with aplite-pegmatite dykes 5 to 8 metres thick observed and sampled.
Tungsten Prospects Gain Attention Amid Price Surge
Beyond tin, Dart is reviewing tungsten potential across its tenements, focusing on historic tungsten mines and prospects at McHargs and Koetong. The McHargs prospect, approximately 5km southeast of Walwa, was previously deemed uneconomic during periods of low tungsten prices but is now a priority target given record-high tungsten prices and rising demand. Koetong hosts quartz reefs with wolfram, scheelite, cassiterite, and occasional gold, presenting a multifaceted exploration opportunity.
Dart plans further field inspections and sampling to assess tungsten mineralisation and access at these prospects later in 2026.
Next Steps Focus on Data Integration and Drilling
The company’s immediate priorities include completing the compilation and assessment of over 100 historic reports and datasets, refining the 3D model of mineralisation styles at Walwa, and testing theoretical models for a tin-rich greisen zone beneath the stacked dykes. This integrated approach aims to define optimum drill locations and depths ahead of the targeted diamond drilling campaign.
Assay results from recent rock chip samples will inform ongoing exploration planning, while early field inspections of other key prospects will continue to confirm access and mineralisation potential across Dart’s Victorian tin-tungsten portfolio.
Bottom Line?
Dart Mining’s Walwa field visit and data compilation lay solid groundwork for a targeted drill campaign that could unlock deeper tin and tungsten mineralisation.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming assays confirm economically viable tin grades in the sampled dykes?
- Can the 3D modelling effectively prioritise drill targets to enhance resource definition?
- How will tungsten prospects at McHargs and Koetong evolve amid sustained high prices?