Red Mountain Mining has verified significant tungsten mineralisation at its Pioneer Tungsten Project, with rock chip assays rivaling nearby major deposits. The company is gearing up for further sampling and potential drilling to explore this critical minerals opportunity.
- Strong tungsten grades up to 0.32% WO3 confirmed
- Results comparable to adjacent Gentung deposit
- Project covers three claims with historical tungsten production
- Further sampling planned to define drill targets
- Drilling at Armidale Antimony-Gold Project to commence soon
High-Grade Tungsten Confirmed at Surface
Red Mountain Mining (ASX:RMX) has unveiled assay results from 30 rock chip samples at its Pioneer Tungsten Project in Montana, revealing strongly anomalous tungsten mineralisation. A third of the samples exceeded 500ppm WO3, with peak values hitting 3,159ppm (0.32% WO3) from a garnet skarn float at the Greenstone claim and 2,856ppm (0.29% WO3) from an outcrop at Mammoth. These grades are on par with the nearby Gentung Tungsten Deposit, owned by Almonty Industries, which boasts a 6.83 million tonne resource at 0.315% WO3.
Geological Setting Mirrors Proven Deposits
The Pioneer Project encompasses three claim areas; Greenstone, Mammoth, and Lost Creek; along the eastern edge of the Mount Torrey Batholith. This region is characterised by massive limestone-hosted garnet skarns, locally up to 25 metres thick, known to host scheelite (CaWO4) tungsten mineralisation. Red Mountain’s claims lie immediately adjacent to Almonty’s Gentung deposit and historical mines like Ivanhoe and Lost Creek, which collectively produced an estimated 680,000 tonnes of tungsten ore during the mid-20th century.
Next Steps: Systematic Sampling and Drilling
Following these encouraging surface results, Red Mountain plans systematic sampling focused initially on the Greenstone prospect, with work scheduled for mid-July. The goal is to delineate the extent and continuity of mineralisation to inform drill targeting. Subject to positive assay outcomes, the company expects to rapidly advance to drilling downdip extensions of the skarn mineralisation. This approach aligns with Red Mountain’s strategy to fast-track critical minerals projects in Tier-1 mining districts, enhancing supply chain security for tungsten.
Broader Portfolio Momentum
Alongside developments in Montana, Red Mountain is preparing to commence drilling at its Armidale Antimony-Gold Project in New South Wales this month, having secured a drilling contractor. This move complements its US critical minerals portfolio, which also includes antimony projects in Utah and Idaho. The company’s growing footprint in strategic metals positions it to benefit from rising demand amid global supply chain realignments.
Bottom Line?
Red Mountain’s Pioneer Project assays validate its tungsten potential, setting the stage for imminent drilling that could unlock a significant critical minerals resource.
Questions in the middle?
- Will mid-July sampling at Greenstone confirm continuity of high-grade tungsten mineralisation?
- How quickly can Red Mountain mobilise drilling and what scale of program will they pursue initially?
- What impact might advancing the Pioneer Project have on Red Mountain’s valuation and strategic partnerships?