Iltani Resources Accelerates Orient Silver-Indium Project with Diamond Drilling Campaign
Iltani Resources (ASX: ILT) has commenced its diamond drilling program at the Orient Silver-Indium Deposit in Queensland, marking a significant milestone in the development of Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit.
Diamond Drilling Program Targets High-Grade Mineralisation Zones
The company has mobilised a diamond drill rig to the Orient project, with drilling having commenced at Orient West on April 17. To date, approximately 210 meters of the first hole has been completed, with the overall program expected to take four weeks to finish.
The comprehensive diamond drilling campaign encompasses:
- Two diamond drill holes at Orient West (for 455m total)
- Two diamond drill holes at Orient East (for 450m total)
- NQ2 diameter core at Orient West and HQ3 diameter at Orient East
"It is good to get the diamond drilling program at Orient underway," commented Donald Garner, Iltani's Managing Director. "This new program will target the high-grade mineralisation at Orient West and East."
The drill core will be orientated to generate critical structural and assay data needed for the JORC Resource modelling process. Importantly, this drilling will also provide samples for specific gravity (SG) measurements of the various mineralisation types present at Orient.
The Path to JORC Resource Estimation
The diamond drilling program is a key component of Iltani's larger resource definition strategy. This data will be used by independent mining consultant Mining One as part of the modelling and estimation process for initial JORC Resources at both Orient West and East.
In addition to the diamond drilling, Iltani is simultaneously conducting reverse circulation (RC) drilling at Orient West, with nine holes already completed as the company accelerates exploration activities. First assay results from the RC drilling are expected shortly.
The company's comprehensive infill drilling program includes:
| Location | RC Holes | RC Meters | Diamond Holes | Diamond Meters | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orient West | 28 | 7,000 | 2 | 455 | Convert Exploration Target to JORC Inferred Resource |
| Orient East | 26 | 5,200 | 2 | 450 | Convert Exploration Target to JORC Inferred Resource |
Understanding Orient's Exceptional Exploration Targets
Orient hosts substantial exploration targets that position it as Australia's most exciting silver-indium discovery:
Orient West High-Grade Core (80 g/t Ag Eq. cut-off)
- 20-24 Mt at 110-120 g/t Ag Eq. containing:
- 28-35 g/t Silver
- 20-24 g/t Indium
- 0.7-0.8% Lead
- 0.9-1.1% Zinc
Orient East High-Grade Core (80 g/t Ag Eq. cut-off)
- 12-18 Mt at 110-130 g/t Ag Eq. containing:
- 32-39 g/t Silver
- 7-9 g/t Indium
- 0.8-1.0% Lead
- 0.9-1.1% Zinc
Combined, the Orient project presents a high-grade core exploration target of 32-42 Mt at 110-124 g/t Ag Eq., with significant silver, indium, lead, and zinc values.
What Is Oriented Core Drilling and Why It Matters to Investors
Core orientation is a critical process that allows geologists to accurately map the three-dimensional structure of mineral deposits. During drilling, a mark is made on the in-situ rock at the start of each drill run, typically indicating the bottom of the core. This mark creates an orientation line that serves as a reference point for measuring structures within the core.
For investors, oriented core drilling delivers several key benefits:
- Enhanced geological understanding: Provides accurate 3D structural information about the deposit
- Improved resource definition: Allows for more precise mineral resource estimates
- Better mine planning: Contributes to optimised mine design and extraction methods
- Reduced development risk: Provides critical data that reduces uncertainty in project development
This technical approach demonstrates Iltani's commitment to rigorous exploration methods that will lead to more reliable resource estimates.
Future Plans and Timeline
The Iltani Resources drilling program is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete, with regular updates to be provided to the market. The data generated will be crucial for:
- Converting exploration targets to JORC-compliant resources
- Better defining the geology for resource infill programs
- Understanding mineralisation styles for future exploration work
Following the completion of the drilling program, Iltani will incorporate the data into its resource modelling process, with the aim of establishing initial JORC Inferred Resources for both Orient West and East.
Why Investors Should Follow Iltani Resources
Iltani Resources represents a compelling investment opportunity in the precious and base metals sector for several reasons:
- Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit: Orient offers exposure to both precious metals and critical minerals essential for the low-emission future
- Dual commodity opportunity: Silver provides traditional precious metal value while indium is a critical technology metal used in semiconductors, touch screens, and solar panels
- Advanced exploration stage: The project is progressing rapidly toward resource definition
- Strategic mineral portfolio: Diversified projects across Queensland and Tasmania targeting metals crucial for the green energy transition
- Clear development pathway: Well-defined exploration and resource definition program with regular milestone achievements
With diamond drilling now underway and RC drilling progressing well, Iltani is accelerating the development of what could become one of Australia's most significant silver and technology metals projects.
The company's systematic approach to exploration and resource definition, coupled with the exceptional grade profile of the Orient deposit, positions Iltani Resources as a standout opportunity in the Australian mining sector for investors seeking exposure to both precious metals and critical minerals.
Ready to Invest in Australia's Largest Silver-Indium Opportunity?
Discover why Iltani Resources' Orient project represents a compelling investment case in both precious metals and critical minerals essential for the green energy transition. With diamond drilling now underway and a clear pathway to establishing JORC resources, Iltani is rapidly advancing what could become one of Australia's most significant silver and technology metals projects. For complete investor information and to follow Iltani's progress as they develop this exceptional deposit, visit Iltani Resources' website today.
