eMetals Greenlights 17-Hole Drilling at Utah Tungsten Project
eMetals Limited has secured all necessary approvals to begin a 17-hole diamond core drilling program at its Mineral Range Tungsten Project in Utah, targeting high-grade tungsten mineralisation within a historically productive mining district.
- Regulatory approval obtained for 17-hole drilling program
- Drilling to test continuity and geometry of tungsten mineralisation
- Program covers five drill pads with holes up to 200 metres deep
- Experienced contractor TonaTec Exploration appointed
- Drilling expected to start in approximately three weeks
Drilling Program Approved and Imminent
eMetals Limited (ASX:EMT) has cleared a major regulatory hurdle, receiving approval from Utah’s Department of Natural Resources to launch a 17-hole diamond core drilling campaign at its Mineral Range Tungsten Project. The program is set to commence within three weeks, marking a swift follow-up to the company’s acquisition announcement in April.
Targeting High-Grade Tungsten in a Historic Mining District
The project spans over 2,000 acres across the Mineral Range Batholith in Beaver County, Utah, an area peppered with historic tungsten mines such as Garnet, Big Pass, and Two R’s, which collectively produced over 900 tonnes of ore with grades between 0.58% and 0.79% WO₃. eMetals aims to test the continuity, thickness, and geometry of known tungsten mineralisation using HQ diamond core drilling, a method designed to deliver detailed geological and assay data.
Drill Design and Objectives
The 17 drillholes will be distributed across five pads, with depths ranging from 50 to 200 metres. Crucially, the holes are planned to intersect the tungsten-mineralised horizon perpendicular to strike, providing a robust test of mineralisation continuity and structure. This approach is expected to refine geological models and underpin future resource assessments.
Experienced Contractor Engaged
eMetals has appointed TonaTec Exploration LLC, a seasoned drilling contractor with extensive experience in core drilling operations across the western United States. TonaTec brings over 125 years of combined management expertise, positioning the company well to execute the program efficiently and safely.
Next Steps and Market Implications
With earthworks and drill pad construction expected to begin imminently, the drilling program will provide critical data to assess the project’s potential. While assay results and resource updates remain pending, this drilling phase represents a significant step in advancing the Mineral Range Tungsten Project towards potential resource definition and development.
Bottom Line?
The upcoming drilling program at Mineral Range is a pivotal moment for eMetals, setting the stage for critical data that could reshape the project's resource outlook.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the drilling confirm the continuity and grade of tungsten mineralisation suggested by historic mines?
- How quickly will assay results be available, and what impact might they have on resource estimates?
- Could successful drilling attract further investment or partnerships to advance the project?
