Resolution Minerals Set to Launch Exploration at Strategic Horse Heaven Project
Resolution Minerals (ASX: RML) is poised to commence its maiden exploration program at the Horse Heaven Gold-Antimony-Silver-Tungsten Project in Idaho, USA this month, marking a significant milestone in the company's critical metals strategy.
Adjacent to $2 Billion Stibnite Gold Mine
The Horse Heaven Project sits in a prime location within the Yellow Pine Mining District, sharing its eastern boundary with NASDAQ-listed Perpetua Resources' $2 billion Stibnite Gold Project. This strategic positioning puts Resolution within striking distance of a proven mining district that hosts 4.8 million ounces of gold reserves plus significant antimony and tungsten resources.
Resolution's confidence in the project is evident in their decision to begin exploration activities ahead of the formal acquisition completion, which is expected in late July 2025 following shareholder approval.
"This maiden exploration program represents a key step forward in progressing our flagship U.S.-focused critical metals development strategy. The Horse Heaven Project boasts a strong historical production legacy, is well-located adjacent to the US$2.2B Stibnite Mine development and represents significant blue-sky potential for investors." – Craig Lindsay, Resolution Minerals CEO elect of U.S. Operations
Two High-Priority Target Zones with Promising Historical Results
Horse Heaven hosts two promising prospect areas with historical production and compelling exploration results:
Golden Gate Fault Zone (GGFZ)
- 3.5km strike length with established gold mineralisation throughout
- Historical RC drilling returned significant intercepts including:
- 36.6m @ 1.51 g/t Au (GGR-31)
- 71.6m @ 1.37 g/t Au (GGR-32)
- 59.4m @ 1.03 g/t Au (GGR-33)
- Previous drilling targeted only shallow oxide mineralisation with no hole deeper than 170 meters
- Open-ended ore body beginning at surface
Antimony Ridge Fault Zone (ARFZ)
- 1.2km strike length with known Au-Sb-Ag-W mineralisation
- Surface mineralisation exposed along 500m of historical trenching
- Over 60% of rock samples exceeded 1 g/t Au, with peaks of 5.9 g/t Au, 19% Sb and 367 ppm Ag
- Limited historical drilling shows along-strike continuity but remains untested at depth
Understanding Antimony's Strategic Importance
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. government due to its essential use in military applications, batteries, flame retardants, and semiconductor manufacturing. The metal's strategic importance is highlighted by its historical production at Horse Heaven during both World War I and World War II.
Antimony is a metallic element with the symbol Sb and atomic number 51. It naturally occurs in various minerals, primarily as antimony sulfide (stibnite). As a critical mineral, antimony possesses several key properties that make it valuable across multiple industries:
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Military Applications: Antimony is used in ammunition, armour-piercing projectiles, and as a hardening agent in lead alloys for bullets. It is also an essential component in flame-retardant materials used in military vehicles and equipment.
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Flame Retardants: Antimony trioxide is one of the most widely used flame retardants, particularly in plastics, textiles, and electronics. When combined with halogenated compounds, it creates an effective system that prevents or slows the spread of fire.
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Batteries: Antimony is used in lead-acid batteries to improve charging characteristics and extend battery life. These batteries are crucial for backup power systems, telecommunications, and conventional vehicles.
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Semiconductors: Small amounts of antimony are used as a dopant in semiconductor manufacturing, particularly for infrared detectors and diodes.
The United States currently has zero domestic antimony production and is 100% reliant on imports, creating a significant supply vulnerability. This dependency positions Horse Heaven as a potentially crucial domestic source if advanced to production.
Resolution has already begun engagement with U.S. government agencies to explore potential access to federal programs, permitting fast-tracks, and Department of Defense funding grants.
Comprehensive Exploration Plan
Resolution Minerals Horse Heaven exploration is imminent and designed to fast-track the generation of high-priority targets for drill testing, with a focus on:
- Golden Gate Area: Systematic sampling and mapping along the fault zone to expand geologic knowledge and identify extensions of mineralisation
- Antimony Ridge: Mapping and sampling along the interpreted continuation of the fault zone
- Vibeka Creek: Initial assessment of this target area located east of Golden Gate
- Drill Site Confirmation: Finalising locations for the planned August drilling program
The exploration plan includes advanced techniques such as 3D resistivity modelling of existing controlled source audio-magnetotellurics (CSAMT) data to refine drill targets.
Golden Gate Exploration
Surface exploration at Golden Gate will concentrate along a broad northeast-southwest trending corridor that parallels the Golden Gate Fault Zone. Key elements include:
- Systematic rock sampling and mapping through exposures on the northern side of Golden Gate Hill
- Collection of representative chip-channel samples across outcrops and samples of vein material
- Additional rock sampling to follow up on historic anomalies at the southern road
- Three-dimensional resistivity modelling of existing geophysical data
Antimony Ridge Exploration
The program at Antimony Ridge will focus on:
- Mapping and sampling of the interpreted northern continuation of the north-northeast shear zone
- Collection of soil samples on lines that cross historic trenches but extending several hundred metres northwest and southeast
- Planned soil sample grid consisting of twelve 800m lines, 120m apart, with samples taken at 30m intervals
Timeline and Next Steps
Timeframe | Milestone |
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Early July 2025 | Surface exploration mapping and sampling begins |
July 25, 2025 | Shareholder meeting to approve acquisition |
Late July 2025 | Expected completion of Horse Heaven acquisition |
August 2025 | Commencement of drilling program (pending permits) |
Why Investors Should Watch Resolution Minerals
Resolution Minerals presents a compelling opportunity for investors interested in the critical minerals space:
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Strategic Asset: The Horse Heaven Project targets antimony, a critical mineral with zero domestic U.S. production, creating significant strategic value.
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Prime Location: Situated adjacent to a $2 billion gold-antimony project in a proven mining district.
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Historical Production: The property has a proven history of antimony production during both World Wars and tungsten production from the 1950s to 1980s.
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Strong Initial Results: Historical drilling and surface sampling show significant gold, antimony, silver, and tungsten mineralisation.
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Growth Potential: Previous exploration was limited to shallow oxide zones, leaving substantial potential at depth and along strike.
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Government Interest: Potential access to U.S. government funding and fast-track permitting given the strategic nature of antimony.
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Imminent Catalysts: With Resolution Minerals Horse Heaven exploration beginning immediately and drilling planned for August, investors can expect regular news flow in the coming months.
Resolution's decision to commence exploration ahead of the formal acquisition completion demonstrates management's confidence in the project's potential, while the planned U.S. OTC listing will increase accessibility for North American investors.
Ready to Invest in Critical Minerals and Strategic Metals?
Resolution Minerals' Horse Heaven Project presents a compelling investment opportunity with its strategic antimony potential, prime location adjacent to a $2 billion mine, and imminent exploration programme. To learn more about how you can be part of this critical metals story with significant blue-sky potential, visit Resolution Minerals' website for investor information and the latest project updates.