Catalina Resources Identifies High-Grade Tungsten System at Tallering with New Drill Target

Emerging Tungsten-Polymetallic System at Santy

Catalina Resources (ASX:CTN) has reshaped the exploration narrative at its Tallering Project, unveiling a largely untested tungsten opportunity at the Santy Prospect. Recent rock-chip sampling and a fresh geological model suggest the presence of a fractionated granite-hydrothermal system hosting significant tungsten (WO3), molybdenum (Mo), and bismuth (Bi) mineralisation. The standout assays include rock chips grading up to 0.62% WO3 alongside elevated tin, copper, silver, and gold, underscoring a polymetallic footprint that contrasts with previous gold- and base-metal-focused exploration.

Executive Director Ross Cotton emphasised the shift in geological understanding: "Our recent work is building a very different geological picture to that targeted by previous explorers and provides further evidence for what we believe is an emerging tungsten-polymetallic system." The discovery pivots on a concealed, fractionated felsic intrusive source, supported by multi-element geochemistry highlighting fertility indicators like rubidium, cesium, and lithium.

Historical Drilling Supports New Model and Prioritises Drilling

Historical reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Santy, predating the latest induced polarisation (IP) geophysical survey, recorded tungsten grades up to 0.84% WO3 with significant molybdenum and bismuth. Notably, these mineralised intersections coincide with felsic intrusive rocks and rhyolites rather than amphibolite, aligning with the new intrusion-related system interpretation. Rock-chip samples even returned tungsten values as high as 75.8% WO3 in isolated cases, although these are point-selective and not representative of broader mineralisation.

The eastern IP conductivity anomaly, which remains largely untested by drilling, emerges as a priority target. Catalina is moving quickly to plan drill programs targeting this anomaly, aiming to systematically test the mineralised trend that historical drilling missed. This approach reflects a strategic pivot from earlier VMS-style exploration towards a granite-related tungsten-polymetallic system.

Distinct Mineral Systems at Nightjar and Broader Tallering

Nearby Nightjar Prospect, approximately 5.6 km southwest of Santy, presents a contrasting geological and geochemical signature. Rock-chip sampling there returned elevated base metals including lead, zinc, and copper, but only trace tungsten. Geophysical data show a local gravity high, interpreted as a buried mafic body, suggesting Nightjar may represent a separate VMS-style mineral system. Catalina plans further mapping and soil geochemistry to better define this target.

The Tallering Project itself sits on the north-eastern margin of the Archaean Tallering Greenstone Belt within the Yilgarn Craton, a region known for gold, base metals, and critical minerals. The proximity to Mt Mulgine, a major tungsten-molybdenum-copper-gold-silver project operated by Tungsten Mining (ASX:TGN), adds regional context to Catalina’s emerging tungsten opportunity.

Next Steps and Market Timing

With heritage clearances underway, Catalina aims to complete the next phase of exploration at Santy by the end of 2026. Planned activities include drill testing of the eastern IP anomaly and blue quartz zone, expanded soil sampling across Santy, and additional geological mapping. This accelerated timeline aligns with a strengthening tungsten market, positioning Catalina to rapidly advance its understanding and potentially define a new tungsten-polymetallic resource.