Hidden High-Grade Antimony Discovery Set to Boost Trigg Minerals' Wild Cattle Creek Resource
Trigg Minerals Ltd (ASX: TMG) has uncovered significant high-grade antimony mineralisation previously excluded from their current resource estimate, potentially providing substantial upside to Australia's highest-grade antimony project.
Untapped High-Grade Zones Reveal New Growth Potential
A comprehensive review of historical data has identified substantial high-grade antimony mineralisation at the company's Wild Cattle Creek (WCC) project that was not included in Trigg's current mineral resource estimate.
The analysis revealed 38 samples averaging 4.83% Sb (antimony) from systematic back sampling of the Wild Cattle Creek adit. This historical sampling was previously included in a JORC 2012-compliant resource estimate by former owners but was excluded from Trigg Minerals Ltd's 2024 resource statement.
"These high-grade results strongly validate the continuity and tenor of antimony mineralisation at Wild Cattle Creek," said Managing Director Andre Booyzen. "These outcomes reinforce our confidence that substantial high-grade mineralisation remains accessible at shallow depths, supporting our broader development strategy."
Significant intersections from the primary WCC lode not currently captured in the resource include:
- 5.32m at 6.7% Sb
- 5.42m at 9.6% Sb
- 3.64m at 7.3% Sb
- 2m at 12.7% Sb
- 5m at 3.5% Sb
- 2m at 9.6% Sb
- 2m at 9.4% Sb
These results supplement previously reported high-grade findings from the parallel "Roula" lode, which included intersections of:
- 2m at 11.57% Sb and 1.26% W
- 2m at 14.45% and 0.84% W, including 1m at 27.6% Sb
Australia's Premier Antimony Asset
Wild Cattle Creek already stands as Australia's highest-grade primary antimony resource, with a current mineral resource estimate of 1.52Mt at 1.97% Sb, comprising:
- 0.96Mt at 2.02% Sb (Indicated)
- 0.56Mt at 1.88% Sb (Inferred)
- Total contained antimony of 29,902 tonnes
The deposit distinguishes itself with an average mineralised width of 20 meters – significantly wider than typical narrow vein-hosted antimony deposits in the region.
Understanding Back Sampling: Why It Matters
Back sampling in mining involves collecting rock or ore samples from the roof (back) of underground workings to assess mineralisation above the working area. At Wild Cattle Creek, this systematic sampling provides critical insights that drilling alone cannot capture:
- It confirms high-grade mineralisation at shallow depths
- It demonstrates continuity between drill sections
- It validates grade distribution throughout the deposit
- It enhances confidence in the overall resource potential
These samples were collected at approximately 8-meter intervals along the 330-meter length of the underground adit, creating a comprehensive picture of the deposit's characteristics.
| Back Sampling Benefits | Traditional Drilling Limitations |
|---|---|
| Continuous sampling along strike | Wider spacing between sections |
| Direct access to mineralisation | Limited by drill angle and access |
| Confirms grade distribution patterns | May miss narrow high-grade zones |
| Provides vertical mineralisation data | Often focused on horizontal extent |
What is Antimony?
Antimony (chemical symbol Sb) is a silvery-white, brittle metallic element that has been classified as a critical mineral by major economies including the United States, European Union, and Australia. Its strategic importance stems from its diverse applications and limited global supply sources.
Key characteristics and applications of antimony include:
- Fire Retardants: Antimony trioxide is widely used as a flame retardant in plastics, textiles, and other materials, accounting for approximately 60% of global consumption.
- Lead-Acid Batteries: Added to lead to increase hardness and mechanical strength in battery grids.
- Military Applications: Used in ammunition, infrared devices, and night-vision equipment.
- Medical Applications: Some antimony compounds are used to treat parasitic diseases.
- Electronics: Used in semiconductor manufacturing and as a dopant in silicon wafers.
The global antimony market is heavily dependent on China, which controls approximately 60% of production. This concentration has prompted countries to seek alternative, secure sources of supply, enhancing the value of projects like Wild Cattle Creek. Furthermore, lithium market trends show similar patterns of supply concentration, highlighting the critical need for diversified mineral resources.
The Strategic Tungsten Factor
Beyond antimony, the discoveries in Trigg Minerals Ltd's Wild Cattle Creek deposit contain significant tungsten values, particularly in the Roula lode, which shows average grades of 13% Sb and 1.03% tungsten. Trigg plans to update the resource to incorporate this valuable by-product potential.
Tungsten, classified as a critical metal by major economies worldwide, adds substantial potential value to the project. Its applications in high-strength alloys, aerospace components, and advanced manufacturing make it a strategically important element.
Key characteristics of tungsten include:
- Extremely High Melting Point: The highest of all metals at 3,422°C
- Exceptional Hardness: Used in cutting tools, drill bits, and wear-resistant components
- Density: One of the densest elements, making it valuable for applications requiring high mass in small volumes
- Strategic Importance: Listed as a critical mineral by the US, EU and Australia due to limited supply sources and important applications
The presence of tungsten in the Wild Cattle Creek deposit could significantly enhance project economics, providing a valuable by-product stream alongside the primary antimony production. In recent developments, remote mining operations have revolutionized how companies extract these valuable resources, potentially improving efficiency for projects like Wild Cattle Creek.
Investment Potential: Multiple Growth Catalysts
Trigg Minerals Ltd presents a compelling investment case based on several key factors:
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Resource Growth Potential: The identification of high-grade mineralisation not currently included in the resource estimate suggests significant upside.
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Critical Minerals Exposure: Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the United States, European Union, and Australia due to its use in fire retardants, batteries, and defence applications.
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Multi-Commodity Opportunity: The presence of tungsten and gold provides valuable by-product potential.
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Strategic Location: The project is located in mining-friendly New South Wales with excellent infrastructure access.
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Clear Development Path: Trigg has outlined plans to update the resource estimate to capture the full value of the deposit, including previously excluded high-grade zones.
For investors looking at high-conviction sectors for 2025, critical minerals like antimony present significant opportunities for growth as global demand continues to increase.
Why Investors Should Take Notice
Trigg Minerals Ltd represents a rare opportunity to gain exposure to critical minerals that face significant supply constraints. With antimony prices showing strength due to global supply concerns, the company is positioned to benefit from growing demand for secure, non-Chinese sources of this strategic metal.
The Wild Cattle Creek project combines high grades, substantial width, and shallow depth – factors that typically correlate with favourable economics. The identification of high-grade zones excluded from the current resource estimate provides a clear pathway to enhancing the project's overall value.
For investors seeking exposure to critical minerals with robust fundamentals, recent discoveries in Trigg Minerals Ltd offer a compelling opportunity at the forefront of Australia's antimony sector. Those interested in junior mining investments should consider the strategic advantages that specialized resource companies like Trigg can provide to a diversified portfolio.
Maintaining strategic cash positions while exploring opportunities in the critical minerals sector could provide investors with both stability and growth potential in today's volatile markets.
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