Record-Breaking Silver Discoveries at Iltani's Orient East Project
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX: ILT) has announced exceptional high-grade silver-indium results from its Orient East drilling program in Queensland, revealing multiple wide zones of mineralisation that position the project as Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit.
Impressive High-Grade Silver Results Across Multiple Drill Holes
The latest assay results from twelve reverse circulation (RC) drillholes have returned outstanding silver-indium intercepts, with several holes revealing significant mineralisation at open-pittable depths. The most remarkable results include:
-
ORR102: Intercepted 29m @ 150.0 g/t Ag Eq. including a spectacular 1m @ 1,212.5 g/t Ag Eq. (333.0 g/t Ag, 159.2 g/t In, 9.39% Pb & 9.39% Zn)
-
ORR107: Returned 50m @ 107.2 g/t Ag Eq. from near surface, including 1m @ 925.0 g/t Ag Eq. and 2m @ 923.9 g/t Ag Eq.
-
ORR100: Revealed an exceptionally thick zone of 86m @ 75.5 g/t Ag Eq. including 1m @ 751.2 g/t Ag Eq.
-
ORR103: Delivered 31m @ 121.1 g/t Ag Eq. including 2m @ 718.6 g/t Ag Eq.
These results demonstrate both the impressive grade and substantial width of the Orient East mineralisation, with consistent high-grade intersections occurring from surface to depths of approximately 170 meters.
Understanding Silver Equivalent (Ag Eq.) Values
Silver equivalent calculations combine the value of multiple metals into a single comparable figure. At Orient East, the Ag Eq. formula incorporates silver, lead, zinc, and indium values, with the calculation based on metal prices of US$20/oz silver, US$1.00/lb lead, US$1.50/lb zinc, and US$300/kg indium, with projected recoveries between 85-90% for each metal.
The equivalent silver formula used is:
Ag Eq. = Ag + (Pb x 35.5) + (Zn x 50.2) + (In x 0.47)
This approach reflects the multi-metal nature of the deposit and provides investors with a clearer picture of the overall economic potential compared to reporting individual metal grades separately.
"It is good to see the drilling returning multiple thick intercepts of high-grade silver mineralisation at open-pittable depths. This bodes well for potential development of Orient, which is Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit," commented Iltani Managing Director Donald Garner.
What is Indium and Why is it Important?
Indium is a critical metal that, while relatively unknown to most investors, plays a vital role in modern technology. This soft, malleable metal is primarily used in:
- Touchscreens and LCD displays: Indium tin oxide (ITO) creates transparent conductive coatings
- Semiconductors: Used in transistors and photovoltaic cells
- Solar panels: Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cells
- LEDs and laser diodes: Enhances efficiency and performance
- Solders and alloys: Creates low-melting-point alloys
With the growing demand for touchscreens, solar energy, and semiconductor technologies, indium has been designated as a critical mineral by many countries, including Australia and the United States. The presence of significant indium concentrations alongside silver at Orient East adds substantial value to the project beyond its precious metal content.
Rapid Progress Toward Resource Definition
Iltani's drilling program is moving swiftly toward defining formal mineral resources at both Orient West and Orient East:
- Orient West JORC Resource is on track for completion by the end of July 2025
- Orient East JORC Resource is expected in September 2025
- Drilling at Orient East has been completed, with assay results pending for holes ORR108 to ORR118
The company has also received final VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) survey data and has commenced geophysical modeling to identify additional drill targets around the Orient Area.
Strategic Significance for Iltani Resources
The Orient Silver-Indium Project represents a significant strategic asset for Iltani Resources. The project's exceptional characteristics include:
- Mineralisation beginning at surface in many areas, suggesting open-pit mining potential
- Consistent zones of high-grade silver-indium-lead-zinc mineralisation
- Significant widths of mineralisation (up to 86m in some holes)
- Presence of indium, a critical metal used in semiconductors, touch screens and solar panels
The mineralisation at Orient East (based on results received to date) extends over a 320m east-west strike extent and extends 260m down dip with mineralisation in the east commencing from surface to a vertical depth of 170m to the west.
Geology and Mineralisation Style
The silver-lead-zinc-indium mineralisation at Orient represents part of an epithermal precious metals system associated with a strongly faulted zone near the margin of a major caldera subsidence structure. Mineralisation occurs in primary vein systems up to 3m wide containing argentiferous galena, cerussite, anglesite, sphalerite, pyrite, marmatite, cassiterite, and stannite, surrounded by a stockwork of lesser veinlets of variable density.
The mineralisation geometry is interpreted as an east-west trending subvertical zone and shallowly south dipping mineralised zones. Both comprise a massive sulphide core enveloped by disseminated and veined (sometimes as a stockwork) base metal sulphides.
This geological setting has created broad, consistent zones of mineralisation with high-grade lenses that exceed initial expectations and remain open to the west and at depth.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Catalysts
Investors should watch for several near-term catalysts:
- Remaining assay results from holes ORR108 to ORR118 at Orient East
- JORC Resource for Orient West expected by end of July 2025
- JORC Resource for Orient East expected in September 2025
- New drilling program targeting VTEM anomalies starting in late July 2025
With drilling equipment remaining on site, Iltani is positioned to quickly test new geophysical targets and continue expanding the known mineralisation at Orient East.
Why Investors Should Follow Iltani Resources
Iltani Resources presents a compelling investment case based on its development of what appears to be Australia's premier silver-indium project. The consistent high-grade results, substantial widths of mineralisation, and rapid progress toward resource definition all suggest significant upside potential.
The inclusion of indium alongside silver, lead, and zinc adds a critical mineral component that could enhance the project's economic value, particularly as demand for indium in high-tech applications continues to grow.
With multiple catalysts in the coming months and the potential for ongoing discoveries at depth and along strike, Iltani Resources represents an opportunity to gain exposure to a significant emerging silver-indium development in a tier-one mining jurisdiction.
Want to Be Part of Australia's Premier Silver-Indium Story?
Don't miss the opportunity to learn more about Iltani Resources' record-breaking silver and indium discoveries at the Orient East Project. With multiple high-grade intercepts, impressive mineralisation widths, and upcoming resource definitions, Iltani is rapidly establishing itself as a leading silver-indium developer in Australia. Visit Iltani Resources' website today to explore investor information, review the latest drilling results, and position yourself ahead of the upcoming catalysts expected in the coming months.
