Litchfield Minerals Confirms 3km Strike of Copper-Zinc Mineralization at Oonagalabi
Recent mapping has revealed that the mineralised Oonagalabi Formation extends continuously for over 3 kilometers from the Silverado prospect to the Bomb Diggity area, significantly expanding the scale of the copper-zinc system at Litchfield Minerals' Northern Territory project.
Major Extension Confirmed Through Field Mapping
In a significant development for the Oonagalabi copper-zinc project, Litchfield Minerals has confirmed through field mapping that the mineralised Oonagalabi Formation extends continuously from the Silverado to Bomb Diggity prospects, spanning more than 3 kilometers of strike length.
This extensive field mapping program has identified four new mineralised zones with a combined strike length exceeding 500 meters, substantially increasing the known footprint of the mineralisation system. Rock chip samples collected between Silverado and Oonagalabi have returned impressive preliminary pXRF readings, including values up to 21.5% copper, 2.47% zinc, and 25 g/t silver.
"While waiting for the drill rigs, Russ and I have put further time and work into the ground. With VTEM indicating conductivity trends to the northeast and southwest, we have further clear, testable targets over a broader area that has not been rigorously examined to date. Put simply, it has become apparent that extensive areas of mineralised Oonagalabi Formation have not been drill-tested," said Managing Director Matthew Pustahya.
Geophysics Confirms Parallel Structure
The company's Induced Polarisation (IP) surveys have not only framed the main mineralisation corridor but have also detected a second, parallel structure that aligns perfectly with the newly mapped Oonagalabi horizon in the central corridor. This correlation between geophysical signatures and surface geology significantly increases confidence in the targeting model.
These findings suggest the mineralisation system remains open to the northeast and southwest, with soil anomalism extending southwest of Silverado and the north-dipping Oonagalabi Formation at Bomb Diggity providing strong indicators of untested potential.
Drilling Program Now Underway
Litchfield has commenced a 14-hole RC drilling program totalling approximately 3,750 meters to test multiple targets across the project. Initial drilling will focus on the northeast extension at the Bomb Diggity prospect, targeting coincident magnetic-gravity-VTEM anomalies.
| Hole ID | Target Area | Max Depth (m) | Target Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| OGRC007P | Bomb Diggity | 300 | Coincident Mag-Grav-VTEM anomalies |
| OGRC013P | Oonagalabi | 300 | Au-Bi magnetic anomaly and +20mV/V IP anomaly |
| OGRC015P | Oonagalabi | 300 | 'Blind' eastern parallel +20mV/V IP Chargeability and conductivity anomaly |
Understanding Induced Polarisation (IP) Surveys
IP surveys measure the chargeability of subsurface materials, making them particularly effective at identifying disseminated sulfide mineralisation that might contain copper and zinc. When rocks containing sulfide minerals (like chalcopyrite or sphalerite) are subjected to an electrical current, they temporarily store and then release this energy—a property known as chargeability.
This technique is especially valuable at Oonagalabi where:
- It can penetrate beneath surface cover that might conceal mineralisation
- It detects disseminated sulfides that may not respond to other geophysical methods
- It helps discriminate between barren and potentially mineralised zones
The strong IP responses at Oonagalabi correspond with mapped outcrops of mineralised formation, providing a powerful targeting tool for upcoming drilling.
Technical Significance
The reconnaissance mapping has provided critical structural information that enhances the company's understanding of the deposit geometry:
- Bedding/foliation and facing indicators support a southeast-dipping geometry
- The steep dip of the formation suggests potential for significant depth extensions
- Thickening observed in multiple areas indicates zones of potential mineralisation concentration
These observations have directly informed the drill targeting strategy, with several holes designed to test down-dip extensions that could substantially increase the scale of the known mineralisation.
Next Steps and Timeline
Litchfield has outlined a clear pathway forward:
- Complete the current drilling program focusing first on the northeast extension at Bomb Diggity
- Conduct follow-up IP surveys to map the full extent of chargeability zones along strike and down-dip
- Report initial assay results, expected in mid-to-late November
The additional IP surveys planned for early next year will be crucial in defining the full extent of the mineralisation system, particularly in areas where the Oonagalabi Formation may extend beneath surface cover.
Investment Perspective: Why Oonagalabi Matters
The Oonagalabi project represents a compelling exploration opportunity for several reasons:
- Scale Potential: The confirmation of 3km of continuous mineralised formation suggests this could be a substantial copper-zinc system
- Multiple Target Types: The project features both high-grade surface showings and potentially large-volume IP/VTEM targets
- Strong Technical Approach: The integration of mapping, geophysics, and geochemistry demonstrates a rigorous exploration methodology
- Strategic Metals: Copper and zinc are both critical metals for the energy transition, with strong demand fundamentals
The combination of extensive surface mineralisation, multiple geophysical anomalies, and a systematic exploration approach positions Litchfield to potentially make a significant discovery at Oonagalabi.
Why Investors Should Follow Litchfield Minerals
Litchfield Minerals represents an opportunity to gain exposure to a focused critical minerals explorer with:
- A clearly defined, large-scale copper-zinc system at Oonagalabi
- Multiple near-term catalysts with drilling underway and results expected from November
- Strong technical leadership with a systematic exploration approach
- Strategic focus on critical metals essential for the energy transition
With drilling now underway and the mineralised system continuing to expand through methodical exploration, Litchfield offers investors exposure to a potentially significant copper-zinc discovery in Australia's Northern Territory.
Ready to Invest in Australia's Next Major Copper Discovery?
Litchfield Minerals has uncovered an extensive 3km copper-zinc system with impressive grades up to 21.5% copper at their Oonagalabi project. With drilling now underway and results expected from November, this could be your opportunity to invest in a significant critical minerals discovery. Visit www.litchfieldminerals.com.au to learn more about this compelling ASX-listed opportunity and keep updated as they unlock the full potential of this emerging copper-zinc system in the Northern Territory.
