Iltani Resources Strikes High-Grade Silver-Indium at Orient West
Iltani Resources (ASX: ILT) has announced impressive final assay results from its Orient West infill drilling program, confirming multiple high-grade silver-indium intercepts that position Orient as potentially Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium discovery at Iltani Resources.
Multiple High-Grade Zones Confirm Project Potential
The latest results from five reverse circulation (RC) drillholes (ORR091 to ORR095) demonstrate consistent high-grade mineralisation across multiple zones. Standout intercepts include:
- ORR095: 11m @ 122.4 g/t Ag Eq. from 83m including 2m @ 239.0 g/t Ag Eq.
- ORR091: 7m @ 117.4 g/t Ag Eq. from 131m including 1m @ 455.8 g/t Ag Eq.
- ORR094: 9m @ 92.4 g/t Ag Eq. from 83m including 1m @ 378.9 g/t Ag Eq.
- ORR092: 18m @ 67.4 g/t Ag Eq. from 103m including 2m @ 260.6 g/t Ag Eq.
These results mark the completion of Iltani's initial JORC Resource infill drilling program at Orient West, with a maiden JORC Resource expected by the end of July 2025.
Systematic Advancement Toward Resource Definition
Since commencing exploratory drilling two years ago, Iltani has completed 57 RC holes (12,987 meters) and 3 diamond holes (1,247.7 meters) at Orient West. The company has systematically mapped a mineralised zone approximately 900m by 350m with multiple intersecting higher-grade vein systems.
"The drilling has delivered excellent results and we continue to be excited by what we see, with results validating our belief that Orient is Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit," commented Managing Director Donald Garner.
The company's methodical approach to resource definition has focused on an area of intersecting high-grade vein systems with associated low-grade stockwork mineralisation, many at shallow depth, representing potential for an open-pit resource.
Understanding Silver Equivalent Calculations
Results are reported in silver equivalent (Ag Eq.) terms, which accounts for the value of all metals present in the deposit. Iltani's calculation includes silver, lead, zinc, and indium using the formula:
Ag Eq. = Ag + (Pb × 35.5) + (Zn × 50.2) + (In × 0.47)
This approach reflects the company's metallurgical understanding that these metals have reasonable potential to be recovered and sold, with lead and silver recovered to a lead concentrate, and zinc, silver, and indium recovered to a zinc concentrate.
The metal equivalent calculation uses the following assumptions:
| Metal | Price/Unit | Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | US$20/oz | 87% |
| Lead | US$1.00/lb | 90% |
| Zinc | US$1.50/lb | 85% |
| Indium | US$300/kg | 85% |
The Importance of Indium in Modern Technology
Indium is classified as a critical mineral due to its essential role in modern technology and limited global supply sources. This silvery-white metal is primarily obtained as a by-product of zinc processing, making deposits with both zinc and indium particularly valuable.
Key applications of indium include:
- Transparent Conductive Coatings: Indium tin oxide (ITO) is used in touchscreens, LCD displays, and OLED screens
- Semiconductors: Critical component in semiconductor manufacturing
- Photovoltaics: Used in certain types of thin-film solar cells
- Solders and Alloys: Low-melting point alloys for specialised applications
- Nuclear Technology: Control rods in nuclear reactors
The presence of indium significantly enhances the economic potential of the Orient project, particularly as demand for electronics and renewable energy technologies continues to grow.
Orient Project Geology and Mineralisation
The lead-zinc-silver-indium mineralisation at Orient represents part of an epithermal precious metals system. The vein and stockwork mineralisation are associated with a strongly faulted and deeply fractured zone near the margin of a major caldera subsidence structure.
Mineralisation occurs in primary vein systems up to 3m wide (controlled by fractures/shears) containing argentiferous galena, cerussite, anglesite, sphalerite, pyrite, marmatite, cassiterite (minor), and stannite (minor) surrounded by a stockwork of lesser veinlets of variable density.
Holes completed within the high-grade core area have demonstrated continuity of the broad mineralised veins and high-grade zones both down dip and along strike, with mineralisation remaining open at depth.
Upcoming Catalysts
Investors can anticipate several near-term catalysts:
- Orient West JORC Resource – Expected by end of July 2025
- Orient East JORC Resource – Targeted for September 2025, with assay results pending for ORR096 to ORR118
- VTEM Survey data – Recently received with geophysical modeling underway
- Additional drilling – Planned for late July to test high-priority geophysical anomalies
"We have received the final VTEM Survey data, and our geophysical consultant has commenced modelling the data and generating targets starting with the Orient Area. We plan to start drilling geophysical targets at Orient once initial target modelling has been delivered, targeting additional tonnes and grade by testing the high-priority anomalies. We aim to get the drilling restarted towards the end of July," added Garner.
Investment Considerations
Iltani represents a compelling investment opportunity in the critical minerals space for several reasons:
- Advanced Project Stage: With two JORC resources expected in 2025, the company is rapidly advancing toward resource definition.
- High-Grade Potential: Consistent high-grade intercepts suggest strong economic potential.
- Critical Mineral Exposure: Silver-indium mineralisation provides exposure to both precious metals and technology-critical minerals.
- Systematic Exploration: The company has demonstrated a methodical approach to resource definition.
- Multiple Growth Opportunities: With mineralisation open at depth and exploration continuing at Orient East, North, and South, significant resource growth potential exists.
The Orient project's potential as Australia's premier silver-indium resource positions Iltani to benefit from growing demand for both precious metals and critical technology minerals as the global economy continues its transition toward renewable energy and advanced electronics.
Ready to Invest in Australia's Premier Silver-Indium Discovery?
For investors seeking exposure to high-grade precious metals and critical minerals, Iltani Resources presents a compelling opportunity with its Orient project. To learn more about Iltani's impressive silver-indium intercepts, upcoming JORC resource estimates, and the company's systematic exploration approach, visit the Iltani Resources website today for comprehensive information and investor resources.
