Silver Surge: Iltani Resources Delivers High-Grade Results from Orient West Drilling Program
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX: ILT) has announced exceptional results from its ongoing drilling program at the Orient West silver-indium project in Queensland, with multiple high-grade silver intersections highlighting the potential of what could become Australia's largest and highest-grade silver-indium deposit.
Outstanding Silver-Indium Intercepts Confirm Project Potential
The latest batch of reverse circulation (RC) drill results from holes ORR078 to ORR085 has delivered impressive silver equivalent grades, including:
- ORR082: 1m @ 1334.8 g/t Ag Eq. (153.6 g/t Ag, 568.3 g/t In, 2.94% Pb & 16.36% Zn)
- ORR084: 1m @ 1478.3 g/t Ag Eq. (599 g/t Ag, 76.3 g/t In, 14.09% Pb & 6.85% Zn)
- ORR078: 45m @ 75.6 g/t Ag Eq. including 4m @ 202.0 g/t Ag Eq.
- ORR080: 86m @ 53.6 g/t Ag Eq. from just 8m below surface
- ORR083: 17m @ 173.4 g/t Ag Eq. including 6m @ 364.9 g/t Ag Eq.
These results continue to validate the company's belief that Orient is Australia's largest and highest-grade known silver-indium deposit, according to Iltani Managing Director Donald Garner.
"Holes ORR078 to ORR085 have continued to deliver excellent results from our Orient West JORC Infill drilling program and we continue to be excited by what we see," said Garner. "We remain on course to deliver an Orient West JORC Resource by the end of July."
Understanding Silver Equivalents: What Investors Should Know
When evaluating silver equivalent (Ag Eq.) results, it is important to understand this calculation incorporates multiple metals into a single comparable figure. For Iltani's Orient project, the Ag Eq. calculation includes silver, lead, zinc, and indium values.
The formula used is: Ag Eq. = Ag + (Pb × 35.5) + (Zn × 50.2) + (In × 0.47)
This calculation assumes these metals can be economically recovered, which Iltani believes is reasonable based on historical test work. The high indium values are particularly significant, as this critical metal is essential for technologies like touchscreens, solar panels, and semiconductor materials.
Silver Equivalent Calculation Details
| Metal | Price/Unit | Recovery |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | US$20/oz | 87% |
| Lead | US$1.00/lb | 90% |
| Zinc | US$1.50/lb | 85% |
| Indium | US$300/kg | 85% |
The metal equivalent calculation assumes lead and silver will be recovered to a lead concentrate, while zinc, silver and indium will be recovered to a zinc concentrate. This approach is supported by historical metallurgical test work previously reported by the company.
Drilling Progress and Timeline to Resource Definition
Iltani has completed its Orient West JORC Infill drilling program, with assay results pending for the final drill holes (ORR086 to ORR095). The RC rig has now moved to the Orient East area, where drilling is expected to be completed within three weeks.
The company's development timeline includes:
- Orient West JORC Resource: Expected by end of July 2025
- Orient East JORC Resource: Expected in September 2025
- Geophysical target testing: Planned after resource infill drilling completion
This systematic approach aims to deliver an initial resource at Orient West followed by Orient East, with further exploration targeting lateral extensions of the broader Orient System.
The Significance of High-Grade Intercepts
The recent high-grade intercepts are particularly noteworthy, with bonanza grades exceeding 1,000 g/t Ag Eq. in multiple holes. These drilling results from Iltani Resources are significant for several reasons:
- Shallow depth: Many of the high-grade zones are within 150m of surface, potentially amenable to open-pit mining methods
- Consistent mineralisation: Multiple holes have intercepted broad zones of silver-indium mineralisation, suggesting continuity between drill sections
- Strike extent: The mineralisation remains open along strike and at depth, indicating potential for resource expansion
Drill hole ORR082 delivered particularly impressive results with 11m @ 195.9 g/t Ag Eq. from 159m including 3m @ 545.1 g/t Ag Eq. and 1m @ 1334.8 g/t Ag Eq. Similarly, ORR084 returned 16m @ 214.2 g/t Ag Eq. from 127m including a high-grade section of 1m @ 1478.3 g/t Ag Eq.
Investment Potential of Critical Minerals Exposure
Iltani Resources offers investors exposure to a potentially significant silver-indium asset at a time when critical minerals are increasingly vital to the global technology and energy transition.
The Orient project is particularly notable for its:
- Shallow mineralisation: Many high-grade intercepts are within 150m of surface, suggesting open-pit mining potential
- Exceptional grades: Bonanza-grade intercepts exceeding 1,000 g/t Ag Eq.
- Indium content: Significant indium values add substantial value beyond traditional silver-lead-zinc deposits
- Exploration upside: Mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike
With the global push toward renewable energy and advanced electronics, indium's importance continues to grow, potentially positioning Iltani's Orient project as a strategic asset in the critical minerals space.
The Critical Role of Indium in Modern Technology
Indium is classified as a critical mineral due to its essential role in modern technology and limited global supply. It is primarily used in:
- Indium tin oxide (ITO): The transparent conductive coating used in touchscreens, flat-panel displays, and solar panels
- Semiconductors: Used in high-performance transistors and photovoltaic applications
- Solders and alloys: Provides specialised properties in various high-tech applications
- LEDs and laser diodes: Critical component in optoelectronic devices
Global indium production is limited, with most coming as a by-product of zinc refining. The potential for a primary indium resource in Australia represents a significant opportunity for secure supply of this critical metal.
Why Investors Should Watch Iltani Resources
As the company progresses toward its first JORC Resource at Orient West by July 2025, investors should monitor several upcoming catalysts:
- Final assay results from the Orient West program
- Initial resource estimation for Orient West
- Progress on the Orient East drilling program
- Results from geophysical target drilling to test extensions
With multiple high-grade intercepts confirming the project's potential and a clear path to resource definition, Iltani Resources presents an opportunity for investors seeking exposure to silver and critical minerals in a stable jurisdiction.
The Orient project's combination of high-grade silver, substantial indium credits, and near-surface mineralisation makes it an increasingly compelling story in Australia's critical minerals landscape.
Ready to Capitalise on Australia's Emerging Silver-Indium Opportunity?
Don't miss the chance to be part of Iltani Resources' journey as they develop what could become Australia's largest and highest-grade silver-indium deposit. With exceptional drill results highlighting bonanza grades and significant critical mineral potential, Orient West represents a compelling investment opportunity in the growing critical minerals sector. To learn more about Iltani Resources and stay updated on their progress toward their upcoming JORC Resource, visit their website today.
