Iltani Resources Unveils Exceptional High-Grade Silver Hits at Orient West

Outstanding Early Drilling Results

Iltani Resources Limited (ASX: ILT) has announced exceptional assay results from the first seven reverse circulation (RC) drill holes of its JORC infill drilling program at the Orient West Silver-Indium Project in Herberton, North Queensland. The standout intercepts include a remarkable 1m interval grading 1933.4 g/t silver equivalent (Ag Eq) from 93m downhole in drill hole ORR068, alongside multiple other high-grade zones exceeding 400 g/t Ag Eq.

These results not only confirm the presence of high-grade silver-lead-zinc-indium mineralisation near surface but also demonstrate continuity over a vertical depth of approximately 180m and along a strike length of 230m, with mineralisation remaining open at depth. This continuity is critical in underpinning the potential for both open-pit and underground mining operations.

Expanding the Resource Footprint

The initial seven holes are part of a planned 42-hole program designed to infill and upgrade the resource classification within the High-Grade Core Area, approximately 900m by 350m in size. The drilling to date has validated the geological model, confirming multiple intersecting vein systems with associated stockwork mineralisation. Notably, shallow high-grade intersections in holes ORR062, ORR065, and ORR066 enhance the prospect of developing an open-pittable resource enveloping broader moderate-grade zones.

Drilling has also highlighted the potential to extend mineralisation along strike to the northeast and southwest, areas that remain open and will be targeted in upcoming drilling campaigns. The program is scheduled to recommence in March 2025, following the conclusion of the wet season in Northern Queensland.

Orient East and Broader System Potential

Alongside progress at Orient West, Iltani is advancing its exploration at Orient East, with an Exploration Target expected to be delivered in early February 2025. The Orient East and West deposits lie over 2km apart, underscoring the scale of the Orient Silver-Indium system. Additional targets at Orient North, Orient South, Deadman Creek, and the linking zone between Orient West and East present further exploration upside.

Managing Director Donald Garner emphasised the significance of the results, stating, "These are fantastic results from our first seven holes... confirming the potential for underground mining and the pathway to delivering Australia's largest silver-lead-zinc-indium deposit." He highlighted the strategic importance of ongoing drilling and resource definition activities planned for 2025.

Technical and Methodological Rigor

The drilling employed industry-standard RC techniques with rigorous sampling, assay, and QAQC protocols. Assays were conducted using four-acid digest ICP-MS and ICP-AES methods to accurately quantify silver, lead, zinc, indium, and other elements. The silver equivalent calculations incorporate recoveries and commodity prices, reflecting realistic metallurgical assumptions based on prior test work.

The Exploration Target for Orient West is estimated at 74-100 million tonnes grading 55-65 g/t Ag Eq, inclusive of a high-grade core of 20-24 million tonnes at 110-120 g/t Ag Eq. These figures are conceptual but grounded in detailed 3D geological modelling and extensive drilling data.

Looking Ahead

Iltani plans to complete the remaining 35 holes of the JORC infill program at Orient West, alongside diamond drilling to test deeper mineralisation and support metallurgical studies. Parallel drilling and resource definition efforts at Orient East and other system targets will continue throughout 2025, aiming to convert exploration targets into JORC-compliant Mineral Resources.

This comprehensive approach positions Iltani Resources at the forefront of Australia's silver-indium exploration, with the potential to unlock a significant new deposit critical to the low-emission future economy.