HIGH-GRADE TIN ASSAYS ENHANCE ANTIMONY AND SILVER DISCOVERY AT MONTEZUMA
Lode Resources Ltd (ASX: LDR) has reported exceptional tin assays from its ongoing drilling program at the Montezuma Antimony & Silver Project in Tasmania's premier West Coast Mining Province, significantly enhancing the project's already impressive metal endowment.
BREAKTHROUGH TIN GRADES COMPLEMENT HIGH-GRADE ANTIMONY AND SILVER
The first batch of tin assays from nine holes of Lode's ambitious 50-60 hole drilling program has revealed outstanding grades of up to 3% tin over widths up to 9.2 meters. These results add substantial value to previously reported high-grade antimony and silver intercepts.
Key tin-enriched intercepts include:
| Highlight Intercepts | SbEq | AgEq | Gold | Tin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2m in drill hole MZS13 | 2.27% | 806 g/t | 1.13 g/t | 0.77% |
| including 6.2m | 3.19% | 1133 g/t | 1.72 g/t | 1.03% |
| including 1.1m | 1.09% | 677 g/t | 1.46 g/t | 2.58% |
| 3.5m in drill hole MZS11 | 4.27% | 1519 g/t | 0.85 g/t | 1.51% |
| including 1.0m | 9.16% | 3254 g/t | 1.54 g/t | 3.06% |
| 3.3m in drill hole MZS12 | 0.87% | 599 g/t | 1.52 g/t | 1.27% |
| including 1.5m | 1.69% | 599 g/t | 3.26 g/t | 2.77% |
"The exceptional prospectivity of the Montezuma Antimony and Silver Project continues to exceed our expectations. The strength of these tin assays is a surprise and substantially enhance Montezuma's already exceptional metal endowment. Every drill hole reported to date has revealed high-grade Sb, Ag, Au, Cu, Pb and now Sn mineralisation. We certainly look forward to announcing further drill results shortly." – Ted Leschke, Managing Director
A TRULY POLYMETALLIC DEPOSIT EMERGING
The Montezuma deposit is proving to be a polymetallic treasure, with significant values of:
- Antimony (up to 9.16%)
- Silver (up to 3,254 g/t)
- Gold (up to 3.26 g/t)
- Tin (up to 3.06%)
- Lead (up to 7.06%)
- Copper (up to 5.93%)
What makes these results particularly significant is that while antimony and silver remain the dominant metals, the addition of substantial tin and gold values dramatically increases the potential economic value of the resource.
UNDERSTANDING TIN: WHY IT MATTERS TO INVESTORS
Tin is classified as a critical mineral by most developed nations due to its essential role in electronics manufacturing. As one of the primary components in solder (the material that connects components on circuit boards), tin is vital for everything from smartphones to electric vehicles.
The tin discovery by Lode Resources Ltd represents a significant development in the project's economic potential. While the current drill results don't include tin in the equivalent grade calculations (as metallurgical testing for tin recovery is still underway), the presence of significant tin grades represents potential additional value that isn't yet factored into the project economics.
Tin typically occurs in nature as cassiterite (SnO₂), a relatively dense mineral that can be processed through conventional methods. The mineral is particularly valuable as it's relatively resistant to weathering, which can enhance recovery rates during processing.
The global tin market has faced supply constraints in recent years, with prices maintaining relative strength compared to many other base metals. This makes the high-grade tin success particularly timely.
DRILLING PROGRAM PROGRESSING RAPIDLY
Lode's ambitious drilling program (8,000-10,000m across 50-60 holes) continues to progress well, with results from only the first nine holes reported so far. The mineralised structures remain open in all directions, suggesting significant potential for resource expansion.
The drilling is focusing on quantifying and extending the Montezuma deposit both down dip and along strike, with every hole to date intercepting significant mineralisation.
METALLURGICAL TESTING UNDERWAY
To fully understand the recovery potential of this complex polymetallic deposit, Lode has commissioned ALS Metallurgy in Burnie to complete comprehensive flotation tests on the Montezuma mineralisation, including:
- Recovery testing for antimony, silver, gold, and tin
- Quantitative X-ray Diffraction (QXRD) analysis to determine overall mineralogy
These tests will be crucial for determining the final economic potential of the deposit and the optimal processing route. The tin discovery by Lode Resources Ltd adds an important dimension to this testing, as tin recoveries and potential concentrate grades will now be evaluated alongside the other metals.
STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE: TASMANIA'S ONLY ANTIMONY PROJECT
The Montezuma Project takes on additional significance as Tasmania's only antimony project. Antimony is classified as a critical metal by both the Australian Federal Government and the Tasmanian State Government, as well as most advanced western nations.
Recent geopolitical developments have highlighted antimony's strategic importance, with China announcing a ban on antimony exports to the United States in December 2024, causing prices to reach record levels due to tight supply conditions.
Similar to Lode's findings, high-grade antimony discovery projects elsewhere in Australia are garnering significant attention from investors seeking exposure to this critical mineral. Furthermore, companies like Inca Minerals have reported gold antimony discovery at their Hurricane Project, highlighting the growing interest in this strategic metal.
The project is strategically located in Tasmania's premier West Coast Mining Province, surrounded by major mining operations including:
- Rosebery (Zn, Cu, Pb) – MMG Ltd
- Renison Bell (Sn) – Metals X Ltd and Yunnan Tin Group
- Henty (Au) – Catalyst Metals Ltd
- Zeehan (Sn, Pb, Ag) – Stellar Resources Limited
INFRASTRUCTURE ADVANTAGES
The Montezuma project benefits from considerable existing infrastructure, including:
- Grid power connection
- Cone crusher and ball mill
- Gravity tables and spirals
- Water access
- Recently constructed tailings dam
This infrastructure provides Lode with the ability to potentially fast-track development once the resource is defined and metallurgical parameters are established.
WHY INVESTORS SHOULD FOLLOW LODE RESOURCES
Lode Resources presents a compelling investment case for several key reasons:
-
Polymetallic Discovery: The Montezuma project continues to deliver exceptional grades across multiple valuable metals (antimony, silver, gold, tin, lead, copper)
-
Strategic Critical Minerals Exposure: With antimony prices at record levels and global supply dominated by China, Lode offers rare exposure to this critical mineral in a tier-1 jurisdiction
-
Existing Infrastructure: The project's established infrastructure could significantly reduce capital requirements and accelerate development
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Aggressive Exploration Program: With only 9 of 50-60 planned holes reported so far, a steady flow of news can be expected in coming months
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Open Mineralisation: The deposit remains open in all directions, suggesting significant resource growth potential
While Lode focuses on its polymetallic project, other explorers like Errawarra Resources are making waves with their high-grade silver discovery at Elizabeth Hill. Meanwhile, companies such as Greenvale Energy are advancing their uranium project drilling campaigns, further diversifying Australia's critical minerals landscape.
The tin discovery by Lode Resources Ltd adds another dimension to what was already an exceptional polymetallic project. The combination of high-grade polymetallic mineralisation, critical mineral status, and existing infrastructure makes Lode Resources a compelling junior mining opportunity in a market increasingly focused on secure supply of critical minerals.
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