Asian Battery Metals Uncovers Larger High-Grade Copper-Gold Zone at Maikhan Uul

Expanding the Maikhan Uul Footprint

Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX – AZ9) has released assay results that significantly broaden the known extent of copper and gold mineralisation at its Maikhan Uul volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) project in Mongolia. Surface rock chip sampling has delineated a strongly anomalous gold zone measuring approximately 600 by 100 meters, notably highlighted by a standout sample grading 22.9 grams per tonne gold from the so-called North Hill Zone. This suggests the presence of high-grade mineralisation at surface, which could be pivotal for future exploration targeting.

Additional rock chip samples west of the main mineralised zone returned copper grades up to 4.14% and gold grades exceeding 1 gram per tonne, indicating a potential lateral extension of the mineralised system. These findings hint at a more complex and extensive mineralised footprint than previously mapped, underscoring the prospectivity of the area.

Drilling Confirms Continuity but Highlights Grade Variability

Drillhole MU2502, completed as part of due diligence drilling, intersected a massive sulphide zone from 146.9 to 181.2 meters downhole, confirming continuity with mineralisation identified in earlier holes. However, assay results revealed that copper and gold grades in MU2502 are notably lower than those in the adjacent MU2501 hole, suggesting MU2502 represents a more distal part of the VMS lens relative to the hydrothermal vent centre.

Two narrow gold-bearing intervals were recorded at shallower depths, but the absence of strong vein and stringer development above the massive sulphide in MU2502 contrasts with MU2501’s mineralisation style. This variability is typical in VMS systems, where metal endowment and alteration intensity can fluctuate significantly with distance from the vent source.

Next Steps and Strategic Outlook

Asian Battery Metals plans to initiate metallurgical testwork in 2026 to evaluate processing pathways and support early-stage economic assessments. The company is also progressing ongoing technical and legal due diligence ahead of a potential acquisition settlement for the Maikhan Uul project. Exploration activities are slated to commence in the first quarter of 2026, aiming to further define the mineralised zones and assess their economic potential.

Managing Director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren expressed optimism, stating that the assay results validate the geological model and reveal a larger-than-expected gold mineralisation footprint with compelling high-grade zones. The company’s broader portfolio, including the Oval Cu-Ni-PGE project, will also see continued drilling and assay reporting, which could complement the Maikhan Uul development strategy.