High-Grade Silver Strikes Continue at Iltani's Orient West Project
Iltani Resources (ASX: ILT) has reported substantial high-grade silver discovery at Iltani Resources from its ongoing resource drilling program at the Orient West project in Queensland, further validating the company's belief that Orient represents Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit.
New Drilling Results Confirm Exceptional Silver-Indium Potential
The latest assay results from reverse circulation (RC) drillholes ORR086 to ORR090 have delivered multiple high-grade silver and indium intercepts that continue to demonstrate the project's significant potential. Standout results include:
- ORR086: 7m @ 176.0 g/t Ag Eq. from 145m including 5m @ 233.7 g/t Ag Eq. from 146m and 1m @ 945.4 g/t Ag Eq. from 151m
- ORR087: 1m @ 792.1 g/t Ag Eq. from 76m
- ORR089: Multiple high-grade zones including 5m @ 306.0 g/t Ag Eq from 242.0m with 1m @ 995.1 g/t Ag Eq.
- ORR090: 13m @ 123.5 g/t Ag Eq. from 226m including 2m @ 442.1 g/t Ag Eq.
These results showcase both exceptional grade and consistent mineralisation across the targeted area, with multiple drillholes intersecting silver equivalent grades approaching or exceeding 1,000 g/t in the highest-grade zones.
"Holes ORR086 to ORR090 from our Orient West JORC Infill drilling program have delivered more excellent results and we continue to be excited by what we see, with results validating our belief that Orient is Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit," commented Managing Director Donald Garner.
Orient West Resource Estimate Approaching Completion
The recently completed drilling program at Orient West represents a significant milestone for Iltani, with the company now on track to deliver its initial JORC Resource for this zone by the end of July 2025. Key updates include:
- Orient West JORC Infill RC drilling program has been completed
- Independent mining consultants Mining One are now modelling the data to estimate an initial JORC Resource
- RC drilling at Orient East has also been completed, with assay results pending for holes ORR096 to ORR118
- Orient East JORC Resource expected in September 2025
Understanding Silver Equivalent Calculations
When evaluating polymetallic deposits like Orient, investors should understand how "silver equivalent" (Ag Eq.) values are calculated. Iltani uses a formula that accounts for silver discovery at Iltani Resources, lead, zinc, and indium content, with each metal assigned a recovery factor and price assumption:
| Metal | Price/Unit | Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | US$20/oz | 87% |
| Lead | US$1.00/lb | 90% |
| Zinc | US$1.50/lb | 85% |
| Indium | US$300/kg | 85% |
The formula (Ag Eq. = Ag + (Pb x 35.5) + (Zn x 50.2) + (In x 0.47)) allows for reporting combined metal values as a single comparable figure. This is particularly important for Orient, as the deposit contains significant indium – a critical metal used in semiconductors, touch screens, and solar panels.
What is Indium?
Indium is a silvery-white, soft metal classified as a critical mineral by many countries due to its essential role in modern technologies. It is primarily found as a trace element within zinc, copper, lead, and tin ores rather than occurring in concentrated deposits of its own.
The metal is characterised by its unusual properties including:
- Extremely malleable and ductile nature
- Low melting point (156.6°C)
- Excellent adhesion to glass and other materials
- Exceptional electrical conductivity
These properties make indium vital for:
- Indium tin oxide (ITO): The primary application, used to create transparent conductive coatings for touch screens, flat-panel displays, and solar panels
- Semiconductors: Used in transistors, thermistors, and photoconductors
- Low-melting point alloys: Used in solders and fusible alloys
- Nuclear technology: As a neutron absorber in certain reactor designs
With limited global production (approximately 900 tonnes annually) and growing demand from electronics and renewable energy sectors, indium's status as a critical mineral continues to strengthen, making silver discovery at Iltani Resources particularly significant.
Mineralisation Structure Indicates Open-Pit Potential
The drilling at Orient West's southwestern portion has revealed valuable information about the deposit's structure. The mineralised zones typically feature:
- High-grade massive sulphide cores
- More constrained areas of brecciation compared to central Orient West
- Exceptional grades within the massive sulphide portions
These characteristics suggest strong potential for open-pit extraction, while deeper intersections at depths of 200-220m below surface indicate the system remains open at depth, pointing to additional underground resource potential.
Future Exploration Plans
With the completion of the Orient West and East JORC Infill drilling programs, Iltani is now turning its attention to:
- Finalising JORC Resource estimates for both Orient West (July) and Orient East (September)
- Modelling recently received VTEM Survey data to generate additional targets
- Planning to restart drilling toward the end of July, targeting high-priority geophysical anomalies
The company's approach of systematically exploring the entire Orient area, which spans approximately 1,500m of strike length beyond the current drilling focus, demonstrates the significant growth potential still ahead.
"We have received the final VTEM Survey data, and our geophysical consultant has commenced modelling the data and generating targets starting with the Orient Area. We plan to start drilling geophysical targets at Orient once initial target modelling has been delivered, targeting additional tonnes and grade by testing the high-priority anomalies. We aim to get the drilling restarted towards the end of July," said Garner.
Why Investors Should Watch Iltani Resources
Iltani Resources represents a compelling opportunity for investors interested in exposure to silver and critical minerals. The company has several key attributes that position it favourably:
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Strategic Metal Focus: Iltani's Orient project contains both silver (a precious metal with industrial applications) and indium (a critical metal essential for technology manufacturing)
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Resource Definition Progress: The company is rapidly advancing toward defined JORC Resources at both Orient West and East, providing clear catalysts in the coming months
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Exceptional Grades: The consistently high-grade nature of the intercepts, with multiple zones exceeding 300 g/t Ag Eq. and peaks approaching 1,000 g/t Ag Eq., places Orient among Australia's highest-grade silver discovery at Iltani Resources projects
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Exploration Upside: With mineralisation remaining open at depth and multiple untested targets across the broader project area, the current drilling represents just the beginning of potential resource growth
For investors seeking exposure to both precious and critical metals in a well-managed Australian explorer with near-term resource definition catalysts, Iltani Resources presents a compelling opportunity worth close attention as drilling results continue to demonstrate the significant scale and grade of the Orient Silver-Indium Project.
Want to Invest in Australia's Highest-Grade Silver-Indium Opportunity?
Discover why Iltani Resources' Orient West project, with its exceptional high-grade results approaching 1,000 g/t Ag Eq., could represent a significant investment opportunity in both precious and critical minerals. With JORC Resource estimates approaching completion and multiple catalysts on the horizon, now is the time to explore this emerging silver-indium story. Visit Iltani Resources' website for comprehensive investor information and to stay updated on the company's progress at the Orient project.
