VTEM Survey Unveils 14 High-Priority Sulphide Targets at Oonagalabi Project
Litchfield Minerals (ASX: LMS) has announced compelling results from its recently completed VTEM survey at the Litchfield Minerals Oonagalabi Project, with drilling set to commence in September 2025. The geophysical survey, co-funded by the Northern Territory Government, has identified 14 Priority 1 conductors with strong sulphide signatures across five distinct clusters.
Multiple Conductive Clusters Highlight Extensive Mineralisation Potential
The preliminary VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) survey data has uncovered a significantly larger potential mineralised system than previously understood at Oonagalabi. Located 125km northeast of Alice Springs, the project now shows evidence of extensive conductor anomalies that could represent substantial sulphide bodies.
Three of the five identified conductor clusters are positioned along the same stratigraphic horizon that hosts known Oonagalabi mineralisation, suggesting a potentially extensive mineralised system folded within the Oonagalabi Anticline structure.
"These VTEM results have significantly advanced our understanding of the scale and potential of the Oonagalabi system. Identifying five distinct clusters of conductors — including several with clear sulphide signatures in the same horizon as known mineralisation — is a major leap forward," said Managing Director Matt Pustahya.
Detailed Analysis of Key Conductor Clusters
The survey has revealed several highly prospective areas:
Cluster 1: Potential Massive Sulphide Body
- 400m strike length with moderate conductance (100S)
- Located approximately 150m below surface
- Positioned on the inner eastern limb of the Oonagalabi Anticline
- Strong indication of semi-massive to massive sulphide source
Cluster 2: High-Conductance Shallow Target
- 600m strike length at shallow depth (50-100m)
- High conductance readings (200S) suggesting sulphide mineralisation
- Located 6km southwest along strike from Cluster 1
- Situated in proximity to serpentinite outcrops, potentially indicating ultramafic association
Cluster 3: Bomb Diggity Structural Corridor
- Moderate conductors adjacent to prominent magnetic anomaly
- Located less than 500m from outcropping mineralised Oonagalabi Formation
- Potential association with magmatic intrusion that may have contributed heat and metal-bearing fluids
Clusters 4 & 5: Additional Discovery Opportunities
- Cluster 4: Small (100 x 50m) but highly conductive (300S) anomaly at 50m depth
- Cluster 5: Located in the foothills of the Harts Range, potentially representing Virginia-type structurally-controlled copper mineralisation
Understanding VTEM Technology and Its Significance
VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) surveys are sophisticated airborne geophysical tools used to detect conductive bodies below the surface. The technology is particularly effective at identifying sulphide minerals that often host valuable copper, zinc, nickel, and gold deposits.
The survey measures the electromagnetic response of the subsurface after transmitting an electromagnetic pulse from a large loop suspended beneath a helicopter. Conductive bodies, such as sulphide minerals, produce a distinctive response that can be measured and modelled to determine their size, depth, and conductivity.
For investors, VTEM surveys represent a cost-effective way to identify drill targets with a higher probability of success, potentially reducing exploration risk. The high conductance readings (up to 300S) at Oonagalabi suggest substantial sulphide bodies that warrant immediate drill testing.
Technical Parameters of the Oonagalabi VTEM Survey
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transmitter loop diameter | 35m |
| Peak dipole moment | 700,000 NIA |
| Transmitter pulse width | 7ms |
| Line spacing | 200m (full survey), 100m (central 40%) |
| Mean terrain clearance | 35m |
| Transmitter frequency | 25Hz |
| Receiver components | Z, X coils |
Upcoming Drilling Program: September 2025
Litchfield is moving rapidly to test these compelling targets with a drilling program set to commence in mid-September 2025. The company has outlined a clear action plan:
- Ground-truthing of conductors starting August 25th
- Finalising drill plans upon receipt of final VTEM data
- Mobilising earthmoving equipment by September 5-6
- Commencing targeted drilling by mid-September
The initial drilling will focus on the "Bomb Diggity" magnetic anomaly before moving to test potential gold-rich zones at Oonagalabi and select VTEM conductors, subject to clearances and station coordination.
"The emergence of the Bomb Diggity structural corridor as a potential heat and metal source, combined with a suite of high-priority targets along strike from historical intercepts, gives us a strong runway heading into drilling. We believe this could be a transformative quarter for Litchfield and our shareholders," noted Pustahya.
Investment Thesis: Why Litchfield Minerals Deserves Attention
Litchfield Minerals is strategically positioned in the critical minerals space with a focus on copper and other base metals in the Northern Territory. The Litchfield Minerals Oonagalabi Project demonstrates several compelling investment attributes:
-
Multiple High-Priority Targets: The identification of 14 Priority 1 conductors provides numerous opportunities for discovery success.
-
Regional Support: The co-funding of the VTEM survey by the Northern Territory Government through its Geophysics and Drilling Collaborations Grant demonstrates regional backing for the project.
-
Systematic Exploration Approach: The company is following a methodical exploration strategy, using advanced geophysical techniques to refine targets before drilling.
-
Potential for Multiple Mineral Systems: The project shows indications of both copper-zinc SEDEX-style mineralisation and potential gold-rich zones.
-
Near-Term Catalysts: With drilling set to commence in September 2025, investors can expect regular news flow and potential discovery announcements in the coming months.
Why Investors Should Follow Litchfield Minerals
Litchfield represents an attractive exploration play with near-term catalysts and multiple shots at discovery success. The company has demonstrated technical competence through its systematic approach to exploration and has secured government support for its activities.
The Oonagalabi Project's location in the Northern Territory provides exposure to a jurisdiction actively promoting critical minerals development. With drilling imminent and multiple high-priority targets identified, Litchfield offers investors exposure to potential discovery upside in the copper and base metals sector.
The timing is particularly favourable as global copper markets face projected supply deficits in the coming years, with demand driven by renewable energy transition and electrification. A significant discovery at Oonagalabi could position Litchfield as an important player in addressing this supply-demand imbalance.
As drilling results begin to flow from mid-September 2025, investors should watch closely for indications of mineralisation that could rapidly transform this emerging explorer.
Ready to Capture Litchfield's Potential Discovery Momentum?
With 14 high-priority sulphide targets and drilling commencing in September 2025, Litchfield Minerals represents a compelling opportunity in the critical minerals space. The extensive VTEM survey results at Oonagalabi suggest a potentially transformative phase ahead for this ASX-listed explorer. To learn more about Litchfield's strategic copper prospects and stay updated on their upcoming drilling programme, visit www.litchfieldminerals.com.au today.
