Lonar East: 2.5km Gravity and Magnetic Anomaly Sparks Exploration Surge
Tali Resources has identified the Lonar East prospect, a significant new gravity and magnetic anomaly at its West Arunta Project, signalling promising potential for large-scale mineralisation. The company is advancing plans for targeted drilling to unlock the prospect's value.
- Lonar East identified as a 2.5km by 1.0km coincident gravity and magnetic anomaly
- Potential for iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) and carbonatite mineralisation
- Further geophysical data processing ongoing across West Arunta Project
- Drill testing of Lonar East prioritised for 2026 field season
- Additional anomalies discovered for future exploration assessment
Discovery of Lonar East Prospect
Tali Resources Ltd (ASX, TR2) has announced a significant breakthrough in its West Arunta Project exploration with the identification of the Lonar East prospect. This new target emerged from a recent ground-based gravity survey, revealing a large, coincident gravity and magnetic anomaly spanning approximately 2.5 kilometres in length and 1 kilometre in width. The anomaly's characteristics suggest the presence of mineral systems akin to iron oxide copper gold (IOCG) and carbonatite deposits, both highly sought after for their economic potential.
Geophysical Survey Insights and Regional Context
The gravity survey, conducted on a detailed grid with infill sampling, has been instrumental in detecting density contrasts beneath the surface, which often correlate with mineralisation. Lonar East stands out with a gravity high of +2.5 mGal and a moderate magnetic response in its northern section, while its southern part is magnetically quiet but elongated east-west. The prospect lies within the West Arunta Orogen, a region known for its complex geology and potential for diverse mineral deposits, though surface outcrop is sparse due to sediment cover.
Next Steps and Exploration Strategy
With the Lonar East prospect now prioritised, Tali Resources is planning targeted drill testing in the upcoming 2026 field season. This follows recent drilling at the nearby Lonar prospect, where assay and petrology results are expected in the December quarter of 2025 and will inform further exploration strategies. Additionally, the company has identified other gravity and magnetic anomalies within the project area, which will be assessed as exploration progresses.
Broader Implications for Tali Resources
The discovery of Lonar East adds a compelling new dimension to Tali's West Arunta portfolio, reinforcing the company's systematic approach to exploring for Tier 1 mineral deposits. The integration of multiple geophysical datasets and historical drilling data underscores the prospectivity of the region. While the exact mineralisation style and economic viability remain to be confirmed through drilling and assays, the coherent geophysical signatures provide a strong foundation for optimism.
Cautious Optimism Amidst Exploration Uncertainties
Despite the encouraging geophysical results, uncertainties remain. The depth of the anomaly, interpreted at around 150 metres below surface, and the lack of previous drilling directly testing Lonar East mean that definitive conclusions on mineralisation cannot yet be drawn. The pending assay results from recent drilling at Lonar will be critical in shaping the next phase of exploration and investment decisions.
Bottom Line?
Lonar East’s discovery marks a pivotal moment for Tali Resources, with upcoming drilling set to reveal whether this anomaly can translate into a valuable mineral resource.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assay results from Lonar drilling confirm the presence of economically viable mineralisation?
- How will the additional anomalies identified influence Tali’s exploration priorities and capital allocation?
- What geological models will best explain the Lonar East anomaly and guide future drilling targets?
