Record-Breaking Drill Results Showcase Orient's Potential as Australia's Premier Silver-Indium Deposit
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX: ILT) has unveiled exceptional high-grade silver-indium results from its latest diamond drilling program at the Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland, including the highest grades encountered at the project to date.
Diamond Drilling Delivers Spectacular Silver-Indium Intercepts
Recent diamond drilling at Iltani's Orient East Project has returned outstanding results that further validate the company's belief that Orient represents Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit.
Diamond drillholes ORD004 and ORD005 have intersected wide zones of silver-lead-zinc-indium mineralisation at open-pittable depths, with multiple high-grade zones exceeding 1,000 g/t silver equivalent (Ag Eq.).
Standout results include:
-
ORD004: 24m @ 215.5 g/t Ag Eq. from 43m downhole, including:
- 1.46m @ 494.4 g/t Ag Eq. from 44.54m including 0.46m @ 1267.9 g/t Ag Eq.
- 10m @ 358.9 g/t Ag Eq. from 52m including 3.05m @ 893.0 g/t Ag Eq.
-
ORD005: 46m @ 198.5 g/t Ag Eq. from 67m downhole, containing the highest-grade intersection to date:
- 1m @ 2141.9 g/t Ag Eq. (805 g/t Ag, 174.1 g/t In, 20.73% Pb & 10.35% Zn) from 72.4m
- 3.4m @ 1171.0 g/t Ag Eq. from 72.4m
- 4.3m @ 521.8 g/t Ag Eq. from 99m
"Holes ORD004 and ORD005 have delivered outstanding results from our Orient East JORC Infill drilling program and we continue to be excited by what we see, with results continuing to validate our belief that Orient is Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit," commented Managing Director Donald Garner.
Understanding Indium: A Critical Technology Metal
Indium is a rare, soft, malleable metal that has become increasingly important in modern technology. While not widely recognised by most investors, indium is a crucial component in various high-tech applications, including:
- Indium tin oxide (ITO) for transparent conductive coatings in touchscreens and LCD displays
- Semiconductor materials and LED manufacturing
- Solar panels (particularly thin-film photovoltaics)
- Solders and alloys for electronic components
With the rapid growth of electronics and renewable energy sectors, indium demand is expected to increase significantly. The metal's scarcity and limited production sources make deposits like Orient particularly valuable as Western nations seek to secure supply chains for critical minerals outside of China, which currently dominates indium production.
Orient Project: Australia's Premier Silver-Indium Discovery
The Orient Silver-Indium Project consists of two main areas: Orient West and Orient East.
Orient West already hosts a JORC Mineral Resource Estimate of 21.6Mt @ 100.5 g/t Ag Eq. containing:
- 18.7 million ounces of silver
- 456 tonnes of indium
- 128,000 tonnes of lead
- 184,000 tonnes of zinc
Orient East, where the latest drilling has occurred, has an Exploration Target of 12 to 18Mt @ 110-130 g/t Ag Eq.
The company is working toward converting the Orient East Exploration Target to a JORC Resource, with completion expected by late September or early October 2025, subject to receipt of remaining assays from the current drilling program.
Drilling Insights and Mineralisation Structure
The diamond drilling program at Orient East has provided valuable structural information that will enhance the company's understanding of the deposit. Key observations include:
- The main mineralisation geometry appears as an east-west trending subvertical zone and shallowly south dipping mineralised zones
- Both zones comprise a massive sulphide core surrounded by disseminated and veined base metal sulphides
- The main massive sulphide orientation was measured at 25° to 35° dip to the south
- The diamond core is oriented, providing crucial structural information for improved modeling of the mineralisation
- The diamond drilling allows for accurate measurement of specific gravities of the mineralisation and host rocks
Timeline and Future Developments
Mining consultant Mining One is currently completing an initial Orient East JORC Resource, expected by late September/early October 2025. This will significantly advance the project's development timeline and provide investors with a clearer understanding of the deposit's economic potential.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention to Iltani Resources
Iltani Resources has positioned itself as a leader in silver and indium exploration in Australia with several compelling investment considerations:
-
Exceptional Grades: The latest drilling has confirmed some of the highest-grade silver-indium intercepts in Australia, with spectacular results including 1m @ 2141.9 g/t Ag Eq.
-
Critical Minerals Exposure: Indium is classified as a critical mineral by many governments, including the United States and Australia, due to its importance in technology applications and limited global supply.
-
Resource Growth Potential: With Orient East's JORC Resource estimation imminent and mineralisation remaining open at depth, there's significant potential for resource expansion.
-
Strong Technical Team: The company's technical approach, including oriented diamond drilling to better understand the deposit's structure, demonstrates a sophisticated exploration strategy.
-
Upcoming Catalysts: The Orient East JORC Resource estimate expected in September/October 2025 represents a major milestone that could drive significant revaluation of the company.
As global demand for both silver and critical minerals like indium continues to rise, Iltani's Orient project represents one of Australia's most promising undeveloped deposits in this space, offering investors exposure to both precious and technology metals in a tier-one mining jurisdiction.
Want to Invest in Australia's Premier Silver-Indium Discovery?
Discover how Iltani Resources is unearthing extraordinary silver-indium grades at the Orient project, including the recently announced record-breaking intercept of 1m @ 2141.9 g/t Ag Eq. As the company progresses towards a JORC Resource for Orient East by late 2025, now is the time to consider the investment potential of this ASX-listed critical minerals opportunity. For comprehensive information about Iltani's projects and to stay updated on further drill results, visit the company's website today.