Iltani Extends High-Grade Silver-Indium Mineralisation at Orient Link Zone

Link Zone Drilling Uncovers Multiple High-Grade Intercepts

Iltani Resources (ASX:ILT) has revealed a fresh batch of assay results from its extensive drilling campaign at the Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland, Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit. The latest holes; ORR190, ORR192, and ORR196; have delivered multiple significant intercepts of silver-lead-zinc-indium mineralisation, notably ORR190 which recorded a standout interval exceeding 1,000 gram-metres silver equivalent (gm/t Ag Eq.).

The ORR190 hole intersected 13 metres at 334 g/t Ag Eq from 141 metres, including a blistering 2 metres at 1,237 g/t Ag Eq containing 531 g/t silver, 112 g/t indium, 10.3% lead, and 5.7% zinc. Complementary results from ORR192 and ORR196 also returned robust grades, reinforcing the continuity of high-grade mineralisation within the Link Zone, a key target area situated between Orient East and Orient West.

Mineralisation Extends Beyond Current Resource Boundaries

Crucially, all Link Zone intercepts lie outside the existing Orient Mineral Resource, which currently stands at 62.5 million tonnes grading 81.5 g/t silver equivalent. The new drilling has now delineated mineralisation over a 240-metre strike length and to a depth of 145 metres, with an additional 400 metres of strike extent yet to be tested. This expansion signals meaningful potential for a material increase in the project's resource base.

Earlier drill holes at the end of 2025, such as ORR136 and ORR138, had already hinted at this upside, delivering intercepts exceeding 1,000 gm/t Ag Eq. The current results build on that momentum, providing further evidence that the Link Zone is a fertile corridor for high-grade silver-indium mineralisation.

Drilling Program Nears Completion Ahead of Resource Update

Iltani’s 110-hole reverse circulation (RC) drilling program is scheduled for completion this month, with the company currently drilling hole ORR237. Samples are being processed at Intertek's assay lab in Townsville, with turnaround times of one to two months. Once all assay results are in, Iltani plans to update the Orient Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) in Q4 2026, which will underpin a scoping study targeted for early 2027.

Managing Director Donald Garner highlighted the significance of these results, noting the potential for a material resource increase and confirming plans for follow-up drilling to extend the Link Zone mineralisation ahead of the wet season. This proactive approach aims to further define the high-grade zones and improve confidence in the resource model.

Orient Project Positioned for Critical Mineral Production

The Orient Silver-Indium Project is notable not only for its size but also for its strategic mix of metals. The deposit hosts silver-rich galena and indium-rich sphalerite, with historical metallurgical test work supporting recovery of silver, indium, lead, and zinc into payable concentrates. Indium, classified as a critical mineral, is increasingly important for high-tech applications including touchscreens and AI data centres, where it is used in laser chips for optical data transmission.

The company’s metal equivalent calculations incorporate recoveries and commodity prices for silver, lead, zinc, and indium, reflecting a realistic economic framework. While other metals like antimony and tin are present, they are currently excluded from the calculations pending further metallurgical validation.

What Comes Next for Iltani and the Orient Project

With the drilling program wrapping up and the resource update on the horizon, attention will turn to how these new high-grade intercepts translate into a revised resource model. The potential to significantly expand the resource footprint in the Link Zone could alter the project’s economics and development strategy.

Follow-up drilling planned before the onset of the wet season will be critical to test the untested 400 metres of strike and to extend known mineralisation. Meanwhile, the scoping study due in 2027 will provide the first comprehensive economic assessment incorporating these latest results.