Montezuma Drilling Yields Up to 5.06% Antimony Equivalent and 1,798 g/t Silver Equivalent
Lode Resources has reported a second batch of high-grade drill results from its Montezuma Antimony & Silver Project in Tasmania, revealing significant polymetallic mineralisation and promising bulk tonnage potential.
- High-grade antimony and silver intercepts over 200m strike and 200m depth
- Significant gold and tin mineralisation enhancing overall metal value
- Bulk tonnage resource potential identified from multiple mineralised zones
- Ongoing drilling and comprehensive metallurgical testing underway
- Project benefits from existing infrastructure and strategic critical minerals status
Strong Drill Results Expand Montezuma's Mineral Footprint
Lode Resources Ltd (ASX – LDR) has released a compelling update from its Montezuma Antimony & Silver Project, located in Tasmania’s renowned West Coast Mining Province. The latest batch of drill assays from holes MZS14 to MZS17 has confirmed multiple high-grade intercepts, with antimony equivalent grades reaching up to 5.06% and silver equivalent grades peaking at 1,798 grams per tonne. These results extend mineralisation over a 200-metre strike length and 200 metres depth, with the deposit remaining open in all directions.
Polymetallic Mineralisation Adds Value
Beyond antimony and silver, the drilling has revealed consistent zones of gold and tin mineralisation, with assays up to 2.68 grams per tonne of gold and 3.97% tin. This polymetallic nature enhances the overall metal endowment of the project, potentially improving its economic viability. Lode’s Managing Director, Ted Leschke, highlighted the significance of these findings, noting the potential to materially increase project scale through bulk tonnage resources.
Bulk Tonnage Potential Emerging
The company identified multiple mineralised “daughter” structures adjacent to the main footwall and hanging wall lodes. Notably, drill hole MZS17 intercepted three mineralised zones plus intervening low-grade material, bulking out to 31.6 metres at 0.38% antimony equivalent and 136 grams per tonne silver equivalent. This suggests a bulk tonnage resource scenario could be viable, a critical factor for advancing the project towards development.
Metallurgical Testing and Infrastructure
To optimise metal recovery, Lode has commissioned ALS Metallurgy in Burnie to conduct comprehensive flotation tests, including recovery assessments for tin and gold. The Montezuma Project benefits from existing beneficiation infrastructure such as crushers, mills, gravity tables, and a recently constructed tailings dam, alongside grid power access. This infrastructure provides a strong foundation for potential future mining operations.
Strategic Importance of Antimony
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by the Australian Federal and Tasmanian State Governments, reflecting its strategic importance globally. Supply constraints have intensified following China’s export bans on antimony products to the US, pushing prices to record highs. Montezuma stands as Tasmania’s only antimony project, positioning Lode Resources at the forefront of a tightening market for this vital metal.
Looking Ahead
Drilling continues to extend the known mineralisation at Montezuma, with further assays pending. The combination of high-grade intercepts, polymetallic mineralisation, and bulk tonnage potential, supported by ongoing metallurgical work, sets the stage for Lode Resources to advance this critical minerals project towards feasibility and development.
Bottom Line?
As drilling and testing progress, Montezuma’s evolving resource profile could reshape Lode’s role in the critical minerals supply chain.
Questions in the middle?
- How will forthcoming metallurgical test results impact recovery rates for tin and gold?
- What timeline does Lode Resources envision for advancing Montezuma towards a resource estimate or feasibility study?
- How might global antimony market dynamics influence the project’s development strategy?
