McLaren Drilling Confirms Strong 4.96% Heavy Mineral Grade from Surface

Consistent High-Grade Mineralisation Across Extensive Drilling

McLaren Minerals Limited (ASX:MML) has released assay results from 179 drill holes totaling 2,835 metres at its wholly owned McLaren Titanium Project in Western Australia, delivering a length-weighted average heavy mineral (HM) grade of 4.96% over an average sampled thickness of 15.8 metres, with every interval commencing at surface. This latest tranche reinforces the deposit's hallmark consistency and grade repeatability, with 87% of holes averaging at least 4% HM and nearly half (46%) exceeding 5% HM.

Broad mineralised intervals were prevalent, with over half the holes (56%) returning at least 15 metres of continuous mineralisation, and a quarter exceeding 21 metres. Notably, individual one-metre assays showed high-grade potential, including 30 holes with assays above 10% HM and a peak assay of 14.54% HM recorded in hole MAC243 between 8 and 9 metres depth.

Implications for Resource Modelling and Mine Planning

The data, collected via aircore drilling with no HM cut-off applied, provides a direct and unfiltered view of the deposit's grade profile. This consistency is a crucial characteristic for mineral sands projects, potentially reducing geological variability and strengthening confidence in future Mineral Resource estimates. McLaren plans to integrate these results into an updated geological model and Mineral Resource estimate, which will underpin forthcoming Ore Reserve calculations and a Bankable Feasibility Study (BFS).

Managing Director Simon Finnis highlighted the significance of these results, stating: "All from surface and across 2,835m of sampling, to return a length-weighted average of 4.96% HM over an average thickness of 15.8m is quite extraordinary. These results reinforce the consistent grade profile we are seeing at McLaren, and continue to emphasise why we like the project so much." The company also showcased a 2km drill section illustrating the deposit's remarkable grade continuity.

Technical Rigor and Future Workstreams

The 2026 drilling program is designed to enhance confidence in McLaren's existing 529 million tonne Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource, which currently averages 4.5% HM with low slimes content. The drilling collar locations span approximately 3.58km east-west and 2.31km north-south, with holes spaced roughly 150 metres apart and drilled vertically to intersect the relatively horizontal mineralisation.

Rigorous sampling and quality control procedures were employed, including 25% representative cone splitting, field duplicates, standards, and laboratory repeats to ensure data reliability. The company is progressing metallurgical test work and technical studies to support the transition from resource estimation to mine planning and economic evaluation.

Representative high-grade intervals include 30 metres at 6.17% HM in MAC271 and 27 metres at 6.51% HM in MAC273, with peak individual assays reaching up to 14.54% HM. These results continue the pattern of strong mineralisation reported in earlier 2026 drilling phases, collectively defining a repeatable mineralised profile rather than isolated high-grade zones, a trait that may favour project development.

Looking Ahead for McLaren Minerals

McLaren Minerals is advancing towards finalising its updated Mineral Resource estimate and Bankable Feasibility Study, with these drilling results providing a robust foundation. The company is also conducting metallurgical test work that will feed into Ore Reserve estimation and mine design. Investors will be watching for the upcoming resource upgrade and BFS outcomes, which will clarify the economic potential of this consistently mineralised titanium deposit.