Standout Palladium and Platinum Assays Signal Major Discovery Potential
Recent aircore drilling at the Mission Sill prospect has delivered extraordinary results, with peak assays of 4.1 g/t palladium and 2.5 g/t platinum over one meter from 29m depth in drill hole NAC617. These impressive assays come from Galileo Mining's April 2025 drill program and demonstrate the substantial PGE potential within the company's 100% owned project.
Additional high-value intersections from one-meter sampling include:
- 4m @ 1.12 g/t 3E from 26m (NAC516), including 1m @ 2.27 g/t 3E from 28m
- 6m @ 0.73 g/t 3E from 1m (NAC588), including 1m @ 1.03 g/t 3E from 2m
"Our Norseman Project continues to deliver significant results with maximum palladium grades over 4 g/t and platinum over 2 g/t from aircore drilling. These assays show the potential for new resources to be discovered in the area after the prospectivity of the project was proven with the 2022 discovery of the Callisto resource." – Brad Underwood, Managing Director
Building on Proven PGE Prospectivity
Galileo Mining's latest results build upon the company's established track record of PGE discoveries in the region. In 2022, the company announced the Callisto deposit at Norseman, which now boasts a significant mineral resource estimate of 17.5 Mt @ 1.04 g/t 4E, 0.20% Ni, 0.16% Cu.
This makes Galileo Mining one of only a few companies with established PGE resources in Australia, positioning it strategically in the critical minerals sector. Similarly, Matsa Resources hits high grade gold at its Fortitude North Project, demonstrating the region's broader mineral potential.
Strategic Exploration Program Advancing
The company is now planning follow-up drill programs focusing on key target areas identified within the 12km long Mission Sill trend. These programs will aim to test for mineralisation that could lead to further palladium and platinum discoveries.
The NAC617 target zone, which delivered the exceptional 4.1 g/t palladium assay, occurs at the end of an aircore drill line and remains open to the east, presenting a prime target for upcoming exploration efforts.
| Target Zone | Key Result | Depth | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| NAC617 | 1m @ 6.67 g/t 3E (incl. 4.11 g/t Pd) | 29m | Open to east |
| NAC516 | 4m @ 1.12 g/t 3E | 26m | Follow-up planned |
| NAC588 | 6m @ 0.73 g/t 3E | 1m | Follow-up planned |
Understanding PGE Deposits: The Platreef Connection
The Callisto deposit discovered by Galileo Mining in 2022 represents Australia's first deposit analogous to the Platreef-style deposits found in South Africa. These deposits are known for their significant scale and favourable mining characteristics, often featuring broad zones of disseminated mineralisation amenable to bulk mining methods.
Platreef-style deposits typically contain a valuable mix of platinum group elements alongside nickel and copper, creating a robust basket of commodities that can provide economic resilience against price fluctuations in any single metal.
Metallurgical test work completed to date suggests Callisto's mineralisation is amenable to concentration using conventional crushing, milling, and flotation processes, indicating favourable potential economics.
What are Platinum Group Elements (PGEs)?
Platinum Group Elements (PGEs) consist of six metallic elements: platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium, and osmium. These metals share similar chemical properties and often occur together in nature.
PGEs are highly valued for their:
- Catalytic properties: PGEs are essential components in catalytic converters that reduce harmful emissions from vehicles
- Industrial applications: Used in electronics, petroleum refining, glass manufacturing, and chemical production
- Critical role in green technologies: Important for hydrogen fuel cells and various clean energy applications
- Investment value: Particularly platinum and palladium are traded as precious metals with investment potential
The Galileo Mining Norseman discovery is particularly significant as it contains palladium and platinum, two of the most commercially valuable PGEs, along with nickel and copper which add to the potential economic value of the resource.
Well-Positioned in Strategic Mining Districts
Galileo Mining's Norseman Project benefits from its location in an established mining region with excellent infrastructure. The project area spans 255 km² and includes the Callisto Discovery, along with the adjacent Jimberlana and Mission Sill prospects.
In addition to Norseman, Galileo holds a 67% interest in the Fraser Range project (with the Creasy Group holding 33%), covering over 600km² of prospective ground for nickel-copper sulphide discoveries. This project is strategically positioned within the nickel-copper bearing Fraser Range Zone, with the Nova-Bollinger mine located 30-90km from Galileo's tenure.
Current drilling at the Fraser Range project has been delayed due to weather and drilling conditions, with assays now expected in late July. In a similar vein, ZMI secures drilling approval for its massive untested anomaly at Mt Clere, highlighting the ongoing exploration momentum in Western Australia.
The Importance of the Galileo Mining Norseman Discovery
The Galileo Mining Norseman discovery represents a potentially significant contribution to Australia's critical minerals sector. The country currently has limited PGE production, making new discoveries particularly valuable for:
- Supply chain security: As demand for clean energy technologies increases, secure access to PGEs becomes increasingly important
- Economic value: High-grade PGE deposits can be highly profitable due to the metals' value and multiple applications
- Export potential: Australia could strengthen its position as a reliable supplier of critical minerals to global markets
- Regional development: Successful resource development could bring economic benefits to the Norseman region
The latest drill results at Mission Sill expand on Galileo Mining's earlier success at Callisto, suggesting the potential for a district-scale PGE province within the company's Norseman Project.
Why Investors Should Watch Galileo Mining
Galileo Mining represents a compelling opportunity for investors interested in the critical minerals sector:
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Proven Discovery Capability: The company has already demonstrated its ability to make significant discoveries with the Callisto deposit.
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Strategic Metal Focus: Palladium, platinum, nickel, and copper are all essential metals for the energy transition, with applications in catalytic converters, batteries, and clean energy technologies.
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Multiple Growth Pathways: With both the Norseman PGE project and Fraser Range nickel prospects, Galileo offers multiple potential value drivers.
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Well-Funded Exploration: The company is well-capitalised to pursue its exploration programs and advance discoveries.
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Prime Jurisdiction: Western Australia provides a stable, mining-friendly environment with excellent infrastructure.
With follow-up drilling programs planned and a clear focus on expanding its resource base, Galileo Mining is positioning itself as a key player in Australia's strategic minerals sector. Furthermore, companies like Vital Metals secures funding to advance their rare earth projects, underscoring the growing importance of critical minerals exploration.
The Exploration Process: From Aircore to Resource
The Galileo Mining Norseman discovery is following a methodical exploration approach:
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Aircore Drilling: This initial shallow drilling technique allows for cost-effective testing of target areas and identification of mineralised zones, as seen in the recent Mission Sill results
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Follow-up RC Drilling: Reverse circulation drilling provides more detailed information about mineralised zones identified during aircore drilling
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Resource Definition: Systematic drilling to define the extent, grade, and continuity of mineralisation
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Resource Estimation: Compilation of drilling data to establish a mineral resource estimate, as completed for the Callisto deposit
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Economic Studies: Assessment of mining, processing, and development options
The company's success with this approach at Callisto provides a template for advancing the new target areas identified at Mission Sill. This methodology aligns with best practices seen in high-impact exploration programs like those conducted by Invictus Energy at their Mukuyu-Musuma project.
Future Prospects for Critical Minerals
The Galileo Mining Norseman discovery comes at a pivotal time for critical minerals development globally. As the world transitions to cleaner energy solutions, the demand for PGEs and other strategic metals continues to grow.
In Australia, companies exploring for these materials are gaining increased attention from investors and government support through various critical minerals initiatives. High-grade mineralisation discoveries, such as Axel's REE project in Brazil, further highlight the growing global focus on securing supplies of these essential elements.
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