Iltani Resources Uncovers Extensive High-Grade Silver-Indium at Orient East
Iltani Resources has reported strong assay results from recent drilling at its Orient East project in Queensland, revealing wide zones of high-grade silver-indium mineralisation. A maiden mineral resource estimate is anticipated by mid-October, potentially reshaping the project's development outlook.
- Multiple wide, high-grade silver-indium intercepts from drillholes ORR119 to ORR122
- Notable intercepts include 62m at 90.3 g/t silver equivalent in ORR121
- Orient East drilling extends mineralisation strike to 500m and depth to 150m
- Maiden Orient East Mineral Resource Estimate expected by mid-October 2025
- Remaining assay results pending from drillholes ORR123 to ORR127
Strong Drill Results Bolster Orient East Potential
Iltani Resources Limited (ASX, ILT) has unveiled compelling assay results from its recent reverse circulation drilling campaign at the Orient East segment of its flagship Orient Silver-Indium Project in North Queensland. The company reported multiple wide intersections of high-grade silver-indium mineralisation, underscoring the project's growing significance in Australia's critical minerals landscape.
Drillholes ORR119 to ORR122, part of a nine-hole extension program, delivered standout intercepts including 62 metres at 90.3 grams per tonne silver equivalent (Ag Eq.) from 97 metres depth in ORR121, with higher-grade zones within this intercept reaching up to 278.5 g/t Ag Eq. The results extend the known mineralised strike length by an additional 160 metres to a total of 500 metres and confirm mineralisation continuity to depths of at least 150 metres below surface.
Implications for Resource Growth and Mining
The recent drilling was designed to expand the mineral resource base ahead of a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for Orient East, expected by mid-October 2025. Managing Director Donald Garner highlighted that the drilling has successfully added both tonnes and grade, with mineralisation remaining open in all directions. Notably, the deep intercept in ORR119 of 4 metres at 584.3 g/t Ag Eq. from 219 metres downhole opens up a previously underexplored vein system with potential for underground mining operations.
The mineralisation style at Orient East comprises massive sulphide veins rich in silver, indium, lead, and zinc, enveloped by stockwork veining. The continuity and thickness of these zones, combined with high grades, suggest a robust target for both open pit and underground extraction methods.
Pending Assays and Next Steps
Assay results from the remaining five drillholes (ORR123 to ORR127) are awaited and will be integrated into the forthcoming resource estimate. The company’s methodical approach, including detailed geological modelling and rigorous sampling protocols, underpins confidence in the quality of the data. The broader Herberton Project, encompassing the Orient Silver-Indium discovery and other advanced targets, positions Iltani as a notable player in the base and critical metals sector.
With the maiden Orient East MRE imminent, market participants will be keen to assess the scale and grade of the resource, which could influence project economics and development timelines. The ongoing exploration success at Orient East reinforces the potential for significant resource growth in a globally strategic mineral domain.
Bottom Line?
As Iltani prepares to release its maiden Orient East resource estimate, the market awaits confirmation of the project's scale and its role in Australia's critical minerals future.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the pending assay results from ORR123 to ORR127 impact the overall resource estimate?
- What are the expected mining methods and economic implications for the newly identified deep vein system?
- How might metallurgical recoveries and concentrate payabilities influence project feasibility?
