Pantera Minerals Launches First-Ever Drilling at Gillham Antimony-Silver Project

Maiden Drilling Program Kicks Off at Gillham

Pantera Minerals (ASX:PFE) is set to embark on its first-ever drilling campaign at the Gillham Project in southwest Arkansas, marking a pivotal moment for the company. The 1,500-metre diamond core drilling program, contracted to Dycus 3D Drilling Company, targets mineralisation beneath the historic David, Stewart, and May mines, sites known for their antimony and silver deposits.

The drilling is scheduled to begin in the third week of August 2026 and is expected to take four to six weeks to complete, with assay results to be released as they come in. This maiden campaign aims to test high-priority targets identified through recent surface sampling that delivered striking results, including rock chips grading as high as 19.2% antimony and 63.8 grams per tonne silver.

High-Grade Targets Beneath Historic Mines

The Stewart and May mines, historically producers of stibnite (antimony sulfide), have been confirmed and upgraded as priority targets following the 2026 sampling program. Soil sampling outlined coherent antimony anomalies extending over hundreds of metres, with assays revealing substantial grades: 19.2% Sb, 12.25 g/t Ag, and notable lead and zinc values. Drilling will probe mineralised structures beneath these old workings, seeking to define the extent and continuity of these high-grade zones.

Similarly, the Davis Mine; the largest historic operation in the area with extensive underground development; has shown significant base metal and silver mineralisation in rock chip samples, including 4.79% lead and 20.5 g/t silver. These results provide a compelling rationale for the upcoming drilling phase, which could unlock a district-scale polymetallic system.

Strategic Importance of Antimony in the US

Antimony is designated a critical mineral by the United States government due to its essential role in flame retardants, batteries, and other industrial applications, combined with supply chain vulnerabilities. Pantera’s focus on this commodity aligns with broader strategic interests in securing domestic sources of critical minerals.

Executive Chairman Barnaby Egerton-Warburton highlighted the significance of this milestone, noting that the drilling contract execution initiates a phase that could substantially advance the company’s position. The steady flow of assay results expected through the remainder of 2026 will be closely watched by shareholders and the market.

Next Steps and Market Implications

With drill pad access and site preparation underway, the mobilisation of the rig is imminent. Pantera plans to maintain transparency by reporting assay results promptly as they are validated and interpreted. The outcome of this maiden drilling program will be critical in assessing the economic potential of the Gillham Project and informing subsequent exploration or development decisions.

Given the strategic nature of antimony and silver, and the project's location in the United States, successful drilling results could attract further interest from investors and industry partners. The company also continues to analyse additional US-based projects, signaling an ongoing commitment to expanding its critical minerals portfolio.