Orient East Extension Drilling Delivers High-Grade Silver-Indium Intercepts
Iltani Resources (ASX: ILT) has announced promising assay results from its Orient East JORC Extension drilling program, with multiple wide intersections of high-grade silver-indium mineralisation expanding Australia's largest silver-indium discovery by Iltani Resources.
Significant Results Boost Resource Potential
The latest results from drillholes ORR119 to ORR122 at the Orient Silver-Indium Project in Herberton, North Queensland have delivered exceptional intercepts that are expected to add substantial tonnage and grade to the upcoming maiden Orient East Mineral Resource Estimate.
Key intercepts include:
- ORR119: 4m @ 584.3 g/t Ag Eq. from 219m including 2m @ 845.9 g/t Ag Eq. from 221m
- ORR120: 25m @ 98.1 g/t Ag Eq. from 90m including 14m @ 138.2 g/t Ag Eq. from 99m and 1m @ 848.9 g/t Ag Eq. from 107m
- ORR121: An impressive 62m @ 90.3 g/t Ag Eq. from 97m including 47m @ 102.3 g/t Ag Eq. from 99m and 20m @ 161.0 g/t Ag Eq. from 122m
- ORR122: 23m @ 58.7 g/t Ag Eq. from 83m including 4m @ 164.2 g/t Ag Eq. from 102m
"The drilling aimed to extend the known mineralisation plus deliver more tonnes and grade into the maiden Orient East Mineral Resource Estimate, and the drilling has delivered on that objective." – Donald Garner, Iltani's Managing Director
High-Grade Discovery at Depth Opens New Target
Particularly noteworthy is the discovery in ORR119, which intersected 4m @ 584.3 g/t Ag Eq. from 219m including 2m @ 845.9 g/t Ag Eq. from 221m. This deep intersection tests a vein system that strikes east-west and dips below the main zone currently being defined at Orient East.
The vein has a mapped strike length of approximately 800 metres and remains open in all directions, representing an exciting new target with potential to deliver significant additional tonnage and grade. The exceptional high-grade discovery by Iltani Resources encountered at depth could potentially support future underground mining operations.
Understanding Silver Equivalent (Ag Eq.) Values
Silver equivalent values represent the combined value of multiple metals expressed as silver. For Iltani's reporting, the formula is:
Ag Eq. = Ag + (Pb × 35.5) + (Zn × 50.2) + (In × 0.47)
This calculation assumes reasonable recovery rates for all metals (silver 87%, lead 90%, zinc 85%, and indium 85%) and uses market prices of US$20/oz silver, US$1.00/lb lead, US$1.50/lb zinc, and US$300/kg indium.
What is Indium?
Indium is a critical metal that plays an essential role in modern technology. It is a soft, malleable, silvery-white metal that is primarily used in:
- Transparent conductive coatings: Indium tin oxide (ITO) is used for touch screens, flat panel displays, and smart windows
- Semiconductors: Used in transistors, photovoltaics, and LEDs
- Solders: Low-temperature solders for electronics
- Solar panels: Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) thin-film solar cells
- Bearings: Used in high-speed bearings due to its anti-friction properties
The global indium market is relatively small compared to other metals, with annual production estimated at approximately 900 tonnes. However, its importance in modern technology makes it a strategically valuable metal, particularly as the world transitions to renewable energy and digital technologies.
Indium is typically recovered as a by-product from zinc processing, which makes the Orient Project's combination of zinc and indium particularly advantageous. The presence of significant indium values alongside silver substantially enhances the project's economic potential.
Orient Project's Growing Resource Base
The Orient Silver-Indium Project continues to expand its resource potential. The company has already defined:
- Orient West: JORC Mineral Resource of 21.6Mt @ 100.5 g/t Ag Eq.
- Orient East: Exploration Target of 12-18Mt @ 110-130 g/t Ag Eq. (with conversion to a Mineral Resource expected by mid-October)
The project's location in the historically rich Herberton Mineral Field adds further strategic value, with the region known for hosting significant tin, tungsten, copper, and silver-lead-zinc deposits.
Next Steps for Iltani Resources
Assays are pending from the remaining drill holes (ORR123 to ORR127) in the extension program. These results, combined with those announced today, will contribute to the Orient East JORC Resource estimate expected in early to mid-October.
With drilling continuing to deliver broad zones of high-grade mineralisation, Iltani is positioning the Orient Project as Australia's premier silver-indium discovery.
Why Investors Should Follow Iltani Resources
Iltani Resources presents a compelling investment opportunity for several reasons:
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Significant Resource Growth Potential: With each drilling program, the scale and grade of the Orient Silver-Indium Project continues to expand.
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Critical Minerals Focus: The project contains indium, an essential component in modern technology, providing exposure to the critical minerals sector.
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Multiple Near-Term Catalysts: The upcoming maiden Orient East Mineral Resource Estimate in October represents a significant potential value driver.
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Proven Management Team: The team has demonstrated the ability to efficiently advance exploration and resource definition at the Orient project.
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Strategic Location: The project is situated in the well-established Herberton Mineral Field in Queensland, with excellent infrastructure access.
As the company moves toward completing its maiden Orient East Mineral Resource Estimate, investors should watch for continuing strong drill results and the resource announcement expected in mid-October, which could significantly enhance the project's overall scale and valuation.
Ready to Invest in Australia's Premier Silver-Indium Discovery?
Discover why Iltani Resources' Orient Project is capturing investor attention with its exceptional high-grade silver-indium intercepts and substantial resource growth potential. To learn more about this compelling investment opportunity in critical minerals and stay updated on the upcoming Orient East Mineral Resource Estimate expected in mid-October, visit Iltani Resources' website today.
