Terra Metals Uncovers New Sulfide and Oxide Layers at Southwest SW1 Prospect
Terra Metals reports promising assay results from the Southwest SW1 Prospect, revealing multiple near-surface Bushveld-style reef layers and a newly identified magmatic sulfide zone, expanding the polymetallic footprint of the Dante Project.
- Multiple near-surface Fe–Ti–V–Cu–PGE reef layers confirmed
- New magmatic Cu–Ni–PGE–Co sulfide zone identified
- Significant copper equivalent intercepts up to 1.34% over substantial widths
- Sulfides occur as net-textured to semi-massive accumulations at mafic cycle bases
- Ongoing metallurgical testwork and geophysical surveys to refine mineralisation model
Expanding the Dante Polymetallic System
Terra Metals Limited (ASX, TM1) has released new assay results from reverse circulation drilling at its Southwest SW1 Prospect, part of the broader Dante Project in Western Australia's West Musgrave region. These results confirm the presence of multiple near-surface Bushveld-style reef layers rich in iron, titanium, vanadium, copper, and platinum group elements (PGEs), alongside a newly identified magmatic sulfide zone containing copper, nickel, PGEs, and cobalt. This discovery significantly expands the footprint of the polymetallic system and highlights the project's growing potential.
The sulfide mineralisation is characterised by net-textured to semi-massive accumulations occurring at the bases of mafic cycles, a geological signature consistent with immiscible sulfide melt segregation. This process, well documented in some of the world's most productive layered intrusions such as Canada's Sudbury Igneous Complex, suggests Terra Metals is tapping into a dynamic magmatic plumbing system capable of generating high-value mineralisation.
Notable Drill Intercepts and Geological Insights
Geochemical signatures indicate elevated magnesium oxide and chromium levels, alongside nickel, copper, PGEs, and cobalt enrichment. The sulfides are found within and adjacent to titanomagnetite reefs, extending into both hangingwall and footwall gabbros, pointing to a broader and more complex sulfide system than previously understood. This multi-stage magmatic system combines thick Fe–Ti–V oxide reefs with high-value Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide mineralisation, positioning the Southwest Prospect as a significant polymetallic target.
Strategic Next Steps and Project Outlook
With the 2025 drilling program now complete, encompassing over 21,600 meters and assays pending for approximately 106 drill holes, Terra Metals is advancing metallurgical testwork, downhole electromagnetic surveys, gravity studies, and heritage programs. These efforts aim to refine the geometry and continuity of the sulfide system and to distinguish between stratiform and conduit-controlled mineralisation styles.
Managing Director and CEO Thomas Line emphasised the significance of these findings, noting the discovery of multiple new Bushveld-style reefs and the identification of a magmatic sulfide zone as evidence of a vertically extensive, recharge-fed polymetallic system. The company anticipates that ongoing assay results, combined with detailed petrography and geophysical data, will guide targeted drilling in 2026 to unlock higher-grade sulfide accumulations.
The Dante Project, covering a substantial portion of the Jameson Layered Intrusion, is already recognised for its large-scale polymetallic mineral resources, with a current Mineral Resource Estimate of 148 million tonnes at 1.38% copper equivalent. The recent results from Southwest SW1 reinforce the project's potential to become a major producer of copper, nickel, PGEs, titanium, and vanadium within a globally significant layered intrusion system.
Bottom Line?
Terra Metals’ Southwest SW1 results mark a pivotal step in delineating a complex, multi-layered polymetallic system, setting the stage for focused exploration in 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the pending assay results from holes with stronger visual sulfides reveal about grade and continuity?
- How will ongoing metallurgical testwork impact the economic viability of the polymetallic system?
- Can geophysical surveys successfully delineate higher-grade sulfide accumulations to guide next-phase drilling?
