Tartana Minerals Commences Operational Review Amid Minimal Copper Sulphate Output

Board Overhaul Sparks Strategic Reset

Tartana Minerals (ASX:TAT) has embarked on a sweeping operational and strategic review following a decisive board change at its recent Extraordinary General Meeting. Executive Chairman Sonny Didugu emphasised the company’s mandate to unlock value from its substantial portfolio of base and precious metals projects across the Chillagoe and Herberton regions. The review spans operations, financial position, governance, and tenement management, aiming to deliver a focused and sustainable exploration program.

Nightflower Silver Drilling Set to Resume

After more than a decade without drilling, Tartana is poised to recommence work at its flagship Nightflower silver project this October. The company has secured critical land access arrangements and is actively clearing access roads to mobilise its truck-mounted drill rig. Nightflower remains a priority, with historical exploration targeting the Digger Lode and its untested southern extension, the Terrace Lode, last drilled in 1990. The company cautions that these Exploration Targets are conceptual and require further drilling to confirm mineral resources.

Copper Sulphate Plant Under Independent Scrutiny

The Copper Sulphate Pentahydrate plant has produced negligible output in 2026 despite significant refurbishment efforts, including a chiller circuit replacement and restacking of 50,000 tonnes of heap material. Tartana has engaged an independent technical team to assess operational constraints, heap performance, and economic viability, particularly in light of recent copper price improvements, with LME copper settling above US$14,000 per tonne. Historically, the plant generated $3.2 million in revenue over 24 months, all under a binding offtake agreement with Kanins International. The review will guide any further investment decisions.

Field Reconnaissance Expands to OK Mines and Bellevue

Beyond Nightflower, Tartana has consolidated historic mines in the OK Mines district under a single tenure for the first time since their early 20th-century discovery. The company has initiated field reconnaissance and desktop geological reviews at OK Mines and Bellevue, targeting copper, zinc, and gold mineralisation. This coordinated approach aims to prioritise drilling targets within this historically significant copper-producing area.

Grant Withdrawal and Termination of ALT Resources Talks

Persistent land access issues, particularly concerns over threatened wildlife habitats, have forced Tartana to withdraw from the Queensland Government’s Round 10 Collaborative Exploration Initiative Grant for the Beefwood copper-gold target. Meanwhile, the new board has formally ended all discussions with ALT Resources PLC regarding a previously proposed joint venture and funding arrangement, deeming the expired non-binding proposals non-value accretive and misaligned with shareholder interests.

Charting a Funded and Realistic Exploration Path

Earlier plans under previous management to drill at least 10,000 metres in 2026 have stalled, with only around 1,500 metres completed at Tartana Copper. The board’s ongoing geological reviews and fieldwork aim to recalibrate exploration priorities and sequencing, ensuring future programs are well-funded and achievable. Tartana is also exploring strategic partnerships and capital sources to accelerate project development, balancing ambition with operational discipline.