VTEM Survey Reveals Major Expansion Potential at Iltani's Orient Silver-Indium Project
Iltani Resources (ASX: ILT) has announced preliminary results from its helicopter-borne VTEM survey at the Herberton Project in Queensland, revealing multiple strong electromagnetic responses that could substantially expand Australia's largest known silver-indium deposit.
Preliminary Results Exceed Expectations
The recently completed VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) survey has delivered "beyond expectations" according to Iltani Managing Director Donald Garner, with multiple strong electromagnetic responses identified throughout the survey area. The company received $230,375 in funding from the Queensland Government's Collaborative Exploration Initiative to carry out the survey.
Key findings include:
- Multiple strong responses at the Orient silver-indium project, suggesting the Orient System is materially more extensive than currently known
- Both Orient East and West deposits remain open to the northeast and southwest
- Multiple strong EM responses south of Orient West, indicating potential parallel mineralised structures
- Strong responses at Deadman Creek (northern extension of the Orient System)
"It is great to see the preliminary results of the Herberton Project VTEM survey, which had potential to be a game changer for Iltani and deliver multiple high-priority drill targets at Orient and within the Boonmoo Sag Caldera Complex," Mr. Garner stated.
Understanding VTEM Technology
VTEM (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) surveys are specialised airborne geophysical techniques designed to detect conductive materials beneath the surface. The technology works by generating electromagnetic currents that diffuse into the earth, with conductive materials absorbing and releasing a secondary electromagnetic field that can be measured.
In mineral exploration, VTEM is particularly effective at detecting sulphide mineralisation, which is often associated with valuable metal deposits. At the Herberton Project, the survey was flown over volcanic rocks within the Boonmoo Sag Caldera, suggesting the anomalies are likely associated with massive sulphide mineralisation rather than graphite-rich rocks that can sometimes produce similar signatures.
The VTEM system used at Herberton operated at a 25Hz base frequency with transmission through a large loop suspended beneath a helicopter. The survey was conducted with 200m line spacing in general areas, and reduced to 100m line spacing over high-priority targets. This configuration allowed for optimal detection of conductive bodies that may represent mineralisation.
Orient Project's Impressive Scale
The Orient Silver-Indium Project already boasts a substantial Exploration Target of 32 to 42 million tonnes at 110-124 g/t silver equivalent (at an 80 g/t Ag Eq. cut-off grade), positioning it as Australia's largest silver-indium discovery.
The VTEM survey results are particularly significant as previous exploration, including down-hole EM surveys, confirmed that the Orient silver-lead-zinc-indium mineralisation is highly responsive to electromagnetic techniques.
| Orient Exploration Target (80 g/t Ag Eq. Cut-Off) | Tonnage (Mt) | Silver Eq. (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Indium (g/t) | Lead (%) | Zinc (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orient East (Min-Max) | 12-18 | 110-130 | 32-39 | 7-9 | 0.8-1.0 | 0.9-1.1 |
| Orient West (Min-Max) | 20-24 | 110-120 | 28-35 | 20-24 | 0.7-0.8 | 0.9-1.1 |
| Total (Min-Max) | 32-42 | 110-124 | 30-37 | 15-18 | 0.7-0.9 | 0.9-1.1 |
Next Steps
Mitre Geophysics has commenced modelling the VTEM anomalies, prioritising the Orient Project area. Once modelling is completed, Iltani will:
- Rank the VTEM plate models
- Drill-test the highest-priority targets
- Conduct ground EM on targets that are poorly constrained
- Systematically investigate other anomalies through mapping and sampling
The company expects to commence drill testing of the modelled VTEM targets in mid to late July. During this period, Iltani will continue field visits to other target areas, starting with Deadman Creek and Union Jack, to further understand the cause of the anomalies through mapping and sampling.
Investment Thesis: Growth Potential Beyond Current Exploration Target
These VTEM results indicate significant potential to expand the already substantial Orient deposit. Previous drilling at Orient by Great Northern Mining Corporation in the 1970s did not delineate the margins of mineralisation, leaving it open in all directions.
Iltani's current Exploration Target represents only the known extent of mineralisation. The VTEM survey suggests that the Orient system could be considerably larger, particularly extending to the northeast and southwest, with potential parallel structures to the south of Orient West.
For investors, these results provide strong evidence that Iltani Resources VTEM survey results have revealed substantial growth potential beyond the current Exploration Target of 32-42Mt. The company is well-positioned to rapidly advance exploration, with funding support from the Queensland Government and a clear plan to systematically test the newly identified targets.
Why Investors Should Follow Iltani Resources
The preliminary VTEM results represent a significant development for Iltani Resources, potentially transforming the scale of the Orient silver-indium project. For investors interested in silver and technology metals exposure, Iltani presents a compelling opportunity for several reasons:
- Scale and quality of the Orient deposit – Already Australia's largest known silver-indium discovery with substantial exploration upside
- Critical minerals exposure – Indium is a critical technology metal used in semiconductors, solar panels, and touch screens
- Systematic exploration approach – Methodical testing of geophysical anomalies with clear milestones
- Government support – Funding from the Queensland Government demonstrates the project's strategic importance
With drill testing of the VTEM targets expected to commence in July, investors can anticipate a steady flow of news as Iltani works to expand the Orient deposit and potentially make new discoveries within the Herberton Project area.
Want to Invest in Australia's Largest Silver-Indium Discovery?
Discover why Iltani Resources' Orient Project could be a game-changer in the critical minerals sector. With VTEM survey results suggesting significant expansion potential beyond the current 32-42Mt Exploration Target, Iltani presents a compelling investment opportunity at the forefront of silver and technology metals. To learn more about their expanding silver-indium project and upcoming drill programme in Queensland, visit Iltani Resources' website today.
