Dart Mining has revealed substantial historic tungsten drill results and a sizeable non-JORC resource estimate at its McHargs Tungsten Prospect in Northeast Victoria, spotlighting promising tin-tungsten mineralisation within the Langi Dorn Fault zone.
- Historic drill intersections up to 1.73% WO3 tungsten
- Non-JORC resource estimate of 353,000 tonnes at 0.6% WO3
- High-grade tungsten and tin assays at Keady’s Tungsten Prospect
- Plans underway for field inspections and JORC verification
- Company holds 100% of key Victorian tenements
Historic Tungsten Intersections Highlight McHargs Prospect
Dart Mining NL (ASX:DTM) has spotlighted a trove of historic tungsten drill results and a sizeable resource estimate from the McHargs Tungsten Prospect in Northeast Victoria. The prospect sits within the 4.5-kilometre-long Langi Dorn Fault zone, a major structural feature hosting multiple mineralised lenses. Historic diamond drilling in the 1970s recorded intersections grading up to 1.73% tungsten trioxide (WO3) over narrow widths, with some peak assays exceeding 1.5% WO3.
The 1983 non-JORC resource estimate declared by RB Mining tallied 353,000 tonnes at an average grade of 0.6% WO3, based on a combination of drilling and surface trench sampling. While this estimate lacks modern compliance and requires verification, its scale suggests meaningful tungsten mineralisation that warrants further exploration.
Koetong Tungsten-Tin Field Shows High-Grade Potential
Beyond McHargs, Dart Mining’s review uncovered compelling historic assays from the Koetong tungsten-tin field, particularly at Keady’s Tungsten Prospect. Grab samples from historic workings returned tungsten grades as high as 5.94% WO3 and tin up to 10%, indicative of rich mineralisation in quartz reefs hosted by the Koetong Granite. The area’s geological setting shares similarities with the Mt Paynter deposits in New South Wales, which have a JORC-compliant resource grading 0.45% tungsten and 0.27% tin.
Historical records suggest multiple parallel lodes and potential untested extensions around Keady’s, raising the prospect of broader mineralised zones. Dart Mining is prioritising field inspections and sampling to validate these targets and assess their continuity.
Strategic Next Steps Focus on Verification and Access
Dart Mining holds 100% ownership of the Walwa, Cudgewa, and Berringama tenements covering the prospective region. However, access agreements for key prospects like McHargs remain to be negotiated, which could influence the timing of on-ground programs.
The company plans to compile and assess historic data comprehensively, develop 3D geological models, and design exploration programs that include reconnaissance field inspections and targeted drilling. Importantly, Dart Mining intends to verify the historic resource estimates to the standards of the JORC Code, a necessary step to underpin future development decisions.
Chairman James Chirnside emphasised the significance of the early geological interpretations and the team’s enthusiasm for advancing tungsten and tin exploration in the region. This announcement builds on Dart Mining’s recent efforts to revitalise its Victorian tin-tungsten assets amid surging global metal prices and growing demand for critical minerals.
Historic Data Provides a Platform Amid Rising Tungsten Prices
The McHargs prospect was last explored during periods of comparatively low tungsten prices, which limited its economic appeal at the time. Today’s market environment, with tungsten prices having surged over recent years, adds fresh impetus to reassessing these historic deposits. The presence of associated gold and tin mineralisation further enhances the potential value proposition.
Dart Mining’s ongoing review and planned fieldwork align with broader industry trends where historic tungsten and tin fields are being revisited to meet critical mineral supply needs. The company’s methodical approach to validating legacy data and securing land access will be critical to unlocking the prospects’ potential.
Bottom Line?
Dart Mining’s historic tungsten discoveries at McHargs and Koetong offer a compelling exploration platform, but the path to JORC validation and land access agreements will be key milestones to watch.
Questions in the middle?
- How soon can Dart Mining secure land access agreements to advance drilling?
- What level of confidence will JORC verification bring to the historic resource estimates?
- Could further exploration reveal extensions or higher-grade zones beyond historic intercepts?