Iltani Resources Delivers High-Grade Silver Results as Orient Project Advances to Maiden Resource
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX: ILT) has reported significant high-grade silver-indium results from its final drillholes at the Orient East Project, paving the way for a maiden JORC Resource Estimate expected by mid-October. The company has simultaneously commenced a new drilling program targeting shallow VTEM anomalies that could significantly expand the resource potential.
Final Orient East Results Showcase Consistent High-Grade Mineralisation
The latest assay results from drillholes ORR123 to ORR127 continue to demonstrate the high-grade nature of the Orient East silver-indium deposit, with multiple significant intersections:
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ORR123 returned 7m @ 113.7 g/t Ag Eq. from 127m including 5m @ 148.4 g/t Ag Eq., and a second zone of 8m @ 163.0 g/t Ag Eq. from 150m including 3m @ 302.3 g/t Ag Eq.
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ORR124 delivered an impressive 20m @ 104.3 g/t Ag Eq. from 140m, including 5m @ 261.8 g/t Ag Eq. and 1m @ 588.2 g/t Ag Eq.
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ORR126 intersected multiple high-grade zones including 1m @ 496.2 g/t Ag Eq. from 147m and 9m @ 105.5 g/t Ag Eq. from 194m
These results complete the Orient East JORC Extension drilling program, with data now transferred to independent mining consultant Mining One for resource calculation.
"With the final assay results back from the Orient East JORC Resource Infill drilling program, we have passed these onto independent mining consultant, Mining One, to calculate the maiden Orient East JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), and we expect this to be completed by mid-October," said Managing Director Donald Garner.
VTEM Target Drilling Underway
Iltani has commenced a 10-hole reverse circulation drilling program targeting shallow VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) anomalies identified in the recent geophysical survey. The initial hole (ORR128) is targeting the Orient North area, with plans to systematically test remaining targets over a 2-3 week period.
The objectives of the VTEM drilling program are twofold:
- Test shallow VTEM plates and confirm width and grade of sulphide mineralisation
- Demonstrate potential to extend the Orient Mineral Resource by drilling outside currently defined areas
Orient Project: Australia's Largest Silver-Indium Deposit
The Orient Project, located approximately 120km southwest of Cairns in Northern Queensland, is recognised as Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit. The project forms part of Iltani's larger Herberton Project, where the company holds approximately 370km² of wholly owned tenements.
Orient is characterised as a large-scale silver-rich epithermal system extending over at least 6km², with high-grade sulphide rich veins surrounded by extensive lower-grade zones up to 100m thick. The primary economic minerals are silver-rich galena (lead sulphide) and indium-rich sphalerite (zinc sulphide).
To date, Iltani has completed 127 RC and 5 diamond drill holes, primarily focused on the Orient East and West target areas. The company has already established a JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of 21.6Mt @ 100.5 g/t Ag Eq. at Orient West, and defined an Exploration Target of 12 to 18Mt @ 110-130 g/t Ag Eq. at Orient East.
Understanding Indium: The Critical Technology Metal
Indium is a vital element for modern technology, primarily used in the manufacture of indium tin oxide (ITO), a transparent conducting oxide essential for touch screens, flat panel displays, and solar panels. With limited primary production globally, indium is typically recovered as a by-product from zinc processing.
Indium is classified as a critical mineral by many countries due to its technological importance and supply constraints. Global production is estimated at 900-1,000 tonnes per year, with China being the dominant producer. The price of indium has fluctuated between US$200-350/kg in recent years.
The presence of significant indium values alongside silver, lead, and zinc at Orient provides Iltani with potential exposure to both precious and critical metals markets. Historical test work has confirmed that silver, indium, lead, and zinc are recoverable and payable in both lead-silver and zinc-indium-silver concentrates.
Future Growth Potential
The Orient system remains open to the north, south, and west, as well as at depth. With the imminent release of the maiden Orient East JORC Resource Estimate, Iltani will be positioned to deliver a combined Orient Project resource in just over two years from listing, highlighting the rapid advancement of the project.
The current VTEM drilling program represents a significant step in testing the wider potential of the Orient system. The electromagnetic anomalies being targeted are likely caused by sulphide mineralisation, which could substantially increase the resource base if proven to contain economic grades.
Donald Garner, Managing Director, commented on the company's strategic direction: "Now, the pathway forward for Iltani at Orient is clear – we will advance the Orient Project, whilst we continue to explore the larger Orient System. A successful outcome to the drilling will give us greater confidence to target the deeper VTEM anomalies with diamond drilling, plus confirm the presence of mineralisation at Orient outside the current MRE areas, demonstrating the potential to continue to grow Orient."
Investment Significance
Iltani's Orient Project represents a compelling investment opportunity for several key reasons:
- Near-term resource growth catalyst with the Orient East JORC Resource expected by mid-October
- Exposure to both precious metals (silver) and critical minerals (indium) through a single asset
- Consistent high-grade drilling results demonstrating robust mineralisation
- Systematic exploration approach advancing from resource definition to testing new VTEM targets
- Significant exploration upside with the system remaining open in multiple directions
As the company advances toward establishing a substantial resource base at Orient while continuing to test expansion opportunities, investors should closely monitor upcoming news flow, particularly the maiden Orient East resource announcement expected within weeks.
Ready to Capitalise on Australia's Largest Silver-Indium Deposit?
With Iltani Resources' Orient Project delivering exceptional high-grade silver-indium results and a maiden JORC Resource Estimate expected by mid-October, now is the perfect time to explore this compelling investment opportunity. Visit Iltani Resources' website to learn more about their strategic advancement of Australia's largest silver-indium deposit and position yourself ahead of upcoming catalysts that could drive significant shareholder value.
