Oval Discovery Yields 8.7m at 2.44% Cu and 6.9m at 3.49% Cu in Latest Drilling

Expanding the Oval Discovery

Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX, AZ9) has reported compelling new assay results from its Phase 3 drilling campaign at the Oval Discovery, part of the Yambat Project in Mongolia. The latest data confirm that high-grade copper-nickel-platinum group element (Cu-Ni-PGE) massive sulphide zones are not only persistent but extend significantly both down dip and along strike, reinforcing the potential for a camp-scale magmatic sulphide system.

Among the standout results is drillhole OVD036, which intersected 8.7 metres grading 2.44% copper and 1.52% nickel, including a 2-metre section with even higher grades. This intercept lies 130 metres down dip from previous massive sulphide zones at North Oval, suggesting continuity of mineralisation at depth. Similarly, OVD040 confirmed a northwest extension with 6.9 metres at 3.49% copper and 3.61% nickel within a broader mineralised envelope.

Geological Context and Regional Insights

The mineralised system at Oval and North Oval now appears to extend over 800 metres, with drillholes OVD038 and OVD039 indicating a semi-continuous gabbroic intrusive body connecting these zones. This geological continuity could enhance future resource extraction potential by improving the overall shape and orientation of the mineralised intrusion.

Regional drilling at MS1 and MS2 areas has also yielded encouraging results. While some intercepts show modest grades, the presence of platinum group elements and sulphide mineralisation confirms the fertility of the magmatic system and highlights promising targets for further exploration. Ground-based geophysical surveys, including the SAMSON electromagnetic survey and high-resolution magnetic surveys, are underway to refine these targets and guide the next phase of drilling.

Next Steps and Strategic Outlook

Asian Battery Metals is advancing metallurgical test work expected to complete in the first half of Q3 2025, which will be critical to assessing the economic viability of the mineralisation. The company plans to recommence drilling within 4 to 6 weeks, supported by ongoing geophysical data interpretation and target refinement.

Importantly, the company remains fully funded for its 2025 exploration program, underscoring its commitment to delineating the full extent of mineralisation at the Oval Cu-Ni-PGE project. Managing Director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren emphasised the strength of the mineralised system and the growing confidence in its scale and continuity.

These developments position Asian Battery Metals as a notable player in the battery metals sector, with its Mongolian projects potentially contributing to the critical supply chain for energy transition materials.