Historic Mining Challenges Could Influence Tallebung Tin Resource Confidence
Sky Metals has reported strong trenching results at its Tallebung Tin Project, pinpointing four critical zones for bulk sampling and metallurgical testwork that promise to refine resource estimates and optimize production.
- Successful trenching identified four zones for bulk sampling totaling ~50 tonnes
- All six trenches intersected tin mineralisation at surface across the project area
- Bulk sampling to support pilot-scale metallurgical testwork and ore sorting optimisation
- Results expected to validate and enhance the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE)
- Bulk sampling program scheduled to commence imminently
Trenching Success at Tallebung
Sky Metals Ltd (ASX: SKY) has announced encouraging results from its recent trenching program at the Tallebung Tin Project in central New South Wales. The six trenches excavated in late 2024 successfully intersected tin mineralisation at surface, confirming the widespread presence of tin across the project footprint. This trenching effort has identified four distinct zones suitable for bulk sampling, totaling approximately 50 tonnes of tin mineralisation.
Strategic Bulk Sampling and Metallurgical Testing
The upcoming bulk sampling program is designed to mimic actual mining conditions by extracting samples directly beneath the trenches, ensuring representative material for metallurgical testwork. These samples will undergo crushing, ore sorting using full-scale X-ray transmission (XRT) technology, and processing through a pilot-scale gravity plant. The goal is to produce a tin concentrate that can be used for marketing and end-user engagement, while also providing critical data to optimise the metallurgical flowsheet.
Enhancing Resource Confidence
One of the key benefits of this program is the ability to reconcile tin grades from bulk samples with the existing Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), thereby increasing confidence in resource modelling. The trenching results have already been integrated into the geological model, with the potential to expand both the size and certainty of the resource. Notably, some trenches showed evidence of historic mining and erosional channels which may have reduced the apparent grade and width of mineralisation, suggesting upside potential once these factors are accounted for.
Technological Edge and Market Positioning
Tallebung’s tin mineralisation is characterised by large, discrete cassiterite grains, lending itself well to low-cost processing methods. The use of advanced ore sorting technology has demonstrated significant grade upgrades, up to 44 times in some cases, prior to gravity separation. This technological advantage positions Sky Metals to develop a low-cost, near-term tin production operation, meeting growing demand for tin in semiconductors, electronics, and solar photovoltaic technologies.
Looking Ahead
The bulk sampling program is set to commence within the next fortnight, with continuous updates expected as metallurgical testwork progresses. Sky Metals’ Managing Director Oliver Davies highlighted the importance of this phase, emphasizing its role in accelerating the project towards production readiness and market engagement. The company’s methodical approach to resource validation and process optimisation underscores its commitment to delivering a secure and economically viable tin supply.
Bottom Line?
Sky Metals’ trenching success and imminent bulk sampling mark a pivotal step toward unlocking Tallebung’s tin potential and advancing toward production.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the bulk sampling results impact the final Mineral Resource Estimate and project economics?
- What are the anticipated timelines and capital requirements for scaling up to commercial production?
- How might historic mining disturbances affect resource continuity and grade distribution?
