Litchfield Minerals Uncovers 148m Copper-Zinc Zone, Eyes Aggressive 2026 Expansion

Expanding the Oonagalabi Footprint

Litchfield Minerals Limited (ASX, LMS) has delivered a significant boost to its Oonagalabi Project in the Northern Territory with the announcement of its widest copper-zinc intercept to date. Hole OGRC014 intersected 148 metres of mineralisation starting just 17 metres below surface, confirming the presence of a thick, near-surface copper-zinc system that extends the Main Zone footprint by 170 metres along strike.

This intercept not only reinforces the continuity of mineralisation but also expands the known mineralised corridor to over 1.5 kilometres of outcrop and approximately 3 kilometres of subcrop. The results build on previous drilling successes, including OGRC010, which reported 90 metres at 0.9% copper and 1.3% zinc, underscoring the potential scale of the deposit.

Intrusive Targets Signal Deeper Potential

Beyond the Main Zone, Litchfield is advancing its understanding of deeper, intrusion-related targets identified through VTEM (versatile time-domain electromagnetic) surveys and other geophysical methods. Targets such as VT1, VT2, and Bomb-Diggity have yielded encouraging results, including massive to semi-massive iron sulphides with meaningful copper and zinc grades, particularly at VT2. These findings support the hypothesis of a larger, fertile magmatic-hydrothermal system at depth, which could host higher-grade mineralisation.

The presence of copper-zinc-iron sulphides within amphibolite intrusives at these targets aligns with geological models of intrusion-related polymetallic systems, suggesting metal zonation that may improve with depth. This adds a compelling dimension to Litchfield’s exploration strategy, focusing both on near-surface continuity and deeper system centres.

Well-Funded and Ready for Aggressive 2026 Exploration

Crucially, Litchfield is well funded to pursue an aggressive exploration program through 2026. Planned activities include ongoing ground electromagnetic surveys through December, followed by diamond drilling targeting the Bomb-Diggity intrusion and the Main Zone in January. Reverse circulation drilling will test VT1, VT2, the eastern structural corridor, and southern extensions toward Silverado. Additionally, induced polarisation surveys will extend chargeability coverage to better define the system’s southern continuation.

Managing Director Matthew Pustahya emphasised the company’s disciplined, data-driven approach to unlocking the full potential of the Oonagalabi system. He highlighted the Main Zone as a valuation backstop while underscoring the upside potential from the deeper intrusive targets.

Balancing Optimism with Geological Complexity

While the results are promising, the complex folding and structural setting of the Oonagalabi system mean that true thicknesses of mineralised zones remain uncertain. Assay results from recently completed holes are pending, and further drilling will be essential to refine geological models and resource estimates. The company’s forward-looking statements caution investors about the inherent risks and uncertainties typical of early-stage exploration.

Nevertheless, the combination of broad, continuous mineralisation near surface and the emerging evidence of a fertile intrusive system at depth positions Litchfield Minerals as a copper-zinc explorer with significant growth potential in a critical mineral sector.