Lightning Minerals has reinforced the Warby Tungsten Project's potential with Phase 2 rock chip assays showing five of six samples above 1% tungsten, peaking at 5.46%, and revealing polymetallic mineralisation including gold and tin. The company awaits further soil and drainage assay results to shape Phase 3 exploration.
- Phase 2 assays confirm high-grade tungsten up to 5.46% W
- Polymetallic mineralisation includes gold and tin
- Known mineralised veins extended to southeast
- 90 soil and 17 drainage assay results pending
- Plans for trenching and LiDAR survey in Phase 3
High-Grade Tungsten Confirmed at Surface
Lightning Minerals Limited (ASX:L1M) has delivered another promising update from its Warby Tungsten Project in North Queensland, with Phase 2 rock chip sampling confirming high-grade tungsten mineralisation. Five of six samples returned grades exceeding 1.00% tungsten (W), including a standout assay of 5.46% W. This robust confirmation of Phase 1 results highlights Warby’s potential as a significant tungsten play.
One sample also returned 2.22 ppm gold (Au) alongside 0.21% tin (Sn) and 1.31% tungsten, underscoring the polymetallic nature of the mineralisation and broadening the project's commodity appeal.
Extension of Mineralised Veins and Exploration Upside
The Phase 2 program extended known mineralised veins to the southeast and identified possible new vein systems, expanding the exploration footprint. Historical regional drainage anomalies east of current workings further hint at additional tungsten-bearing veins yet to be systematically explored.
Sampling focused on six rock chip specimens from historical artisanal dumps, with tungsten mineralisation primarily hosted in hydrothermal quartz veins containing wolframite crystals up to 3 cm. The veins occur within a NNW-oriented swarm, structurally controlled by regional faulting and granite intrusions.
Pending Soil and Drainage Assays to Guide Next Steps
Lightning Minerals is awaiting assay results from 90 soil samples and 17 drainage panned concentrates collected over a 4.32 km² area, expected by the end of August. These data will be integrated with geological and structural mapping to prioritise Phase 3 exploration and refine drill targets.
Planned next steps include trenching to expose veins for detailed geological assessment and a LiDAR survey to aid further vein identification. These activities aim to better define the mineralisation’s continuity and scale ahead of potential drilling campaigns.
Strategic Importance of Tungsten Supply
Tungsten’s critical mineral status is underscored by its strategic applications in defence, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing, sectors increasingly focused on securing stable Western supply chains amid tightening global markets. China’s export restrictions have heightened supply concerns, spotlighting projects like Warby for their potential to diversify sources.
Lightning Minerals’ Managing Director Troy Brice emphasised the significance of the Phase 2 results as a step forward in understanding Warby’s mineral system and shaping future exploration efforts.
Bottom Line?
Warby’s high-grade tungsten assays validate early exploration efforts, but forthcoming soil and drainage results will be pivotal in defining the project's next phase and drill targets.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Phase 3 trenching confirm the extent and continuity of tungsten mineralisation?
- How might the polymetallic nature of the mineralisation affect future project economics?
- What impact could global tungsten supply constraints have on Warby’s strategic value?