Asian Battery Metals Targets High-Grade Extensions in 2025 Oval Cu-Ni Drilling

Overview of Upcoming Exploration

Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX: AZ9) has announced the imminent start of its 2025 Phase 3 exploration program at the Oval copper-nickel (Cu-Ni) prospect located in southwestern Mongolia. This program represents a critical step in advancing the company’s understanding of the magmatic sulphide mineralisation that has shown promising high-grade intercepts in previous drilling campaigns.

The Phase 3 program, scheduled to begin in mid-March 2025, will involve up to 1500 metres of diamond drilling focused primarily on extending mineralised zones identified in 2024 and testing new geophysical anomalies. The company aims to build on last year’s significant drill results, which confirmed high-grade massive sulphide mineralisation in multiple holes.

Targeting High-Grade Extensions and New Anomalies

Central to the drilling strategy is the testing of untested or modified downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) conductive plates derived from Phase 2 surveys. These plates represent zones of potential sulphide mineralisation both within and beyond the known boundaries of the Oval gabbroic intrusion. Priority targets include plates such as OVD021_Late_F and OVD009_170-F, which have demonstrated moderate to good confidence levels in geophysical modelling.

In addition to these plates, the program will test a gravity high anomaly identified beneath the southern part of the Oval intrusion. A previous drill hole (OVD010) missed the core of this anomaly, prompting a revised gravity inversion model and plans for a more optimally designed drill hole to fully evaluate this target.

Expanding the Exploration Footprint

Beyond the immediate Oval intrusion, Asian Battery Metals has identified six step-out target areas within a detailed exploration zone. These areas exhibit robust geophysical signatures, including coincident high magnetic and gravity anomalies coupled with low resistivity, indicative of potential mineralised bodies concealed beneath sedimentary cover.

Soil geochemistry has also highlighted two significant anomalies, Western and Southern soil areas, with elevated copper, nickel, and platinum group element concentrations. These anomalies overlap with geophysical features and remain untested by drilling, representing compelling new frontiers for exploration.

Integration of Advanced Geophysical Techniques

The company’s exploration approach integrates multiple geophysical datasets, including gradient-induced polarisation (GRIP), pole-dipole IP (PDIP), controlled-source audio-frequency magnetotellurics (CSAMT), and airborne magnetic surveys. This multi-method strategy enhances the resolution of subsurface models and improves targeting accuracy for drilling.

Downhole electromagnetic surveys will be conducted on new drill holes to refine conductor models and guide subsequent drilling phases. Regional geophysical surveys are also planned from April to June 2025 to expand the understanding of the broader Yambat tenement area.

Strategic Importance and Outlook

Asian Battery Metals’ Oval project is strategically positioned within the Central Asian Orogenic Belt, a prolific region for magmatic sulphide deposits. The company’s focus on copper, nickel, and platinum group elements aligns with growing demand driven by the energy transition and electrification trends in Asia.

Managing Director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren emphasised the program’s objectives: "The 2025 Phase 3 exploration program will be key steps to further evaluate the extent of the magmatic copper and nickel sulphide mineralisation in our tenement. We aim to extend the high-grade zone, test deeper continuations, and scout new anomalies within the detailed exploration area."

With a comprehensive and methodical exploration plan, Asian Battery Metals is positioning itself to unlock further value from the Oval project, potentially expanding the resource base and enhancing the project’s economic prospects.