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Highlights
- New exploration target set for Orient East deposit.
- High-grade core identified in early estimates.
- Ambitious 2025 drilling program planned.
Iltani Resources (ASX:ILT) has recently defined an exciting exploration target for the Orient East deposit in North Queensland, marking a significant milestone on the journey toward an initial resource estimate. The new target, independently assessed by Mining One Consultants, outlines promising potential for this extensive precious metal-rich system.
The exploration target for Orient East has been estimated to range between 25 and 35 million tonnes at a grade of 77 to 95 grams per tonne silver-equivalent. Within this area lies a high-grade core, estimated at 12 to 18 million tonnes grading between 110 and 130 grams per tonne silver-equivalent. This refined focus highlights the strategic emphasis on high-value mineralisation within the broader deposit.
In addition to the Orient East figures, the overall target for the Orient deposit has now been expanded to between 99 and 135 million tonnes at 61 to 73 grams per tonne silver-equivalent. This comprehensive target includes a more substantial high-grade core of 32 to 42 million tonnes with grades of 110 to 124 grams per tonne silver-equivalent. These figures underline the deposit’s scale and the encouraging quality of its mineralisation.
The current estimates are based on 35 reverse circulation holes drilled to date, which have provided a solid foundation for understanding the deposit’s characteristics. According to the managing director, the results indicate that the Orient deposit could represent one of Australia’s largest silver-indium-lead-zinc systems, with a notable potential to evolve into a major silver-focused project.
This exploration target represents the second defined for the Orient Project, complementing the earlier Orient West target. Moreover, a more discrete high-grade exploration target for Orient East has been identified, estimated at 3.5 to 4 million tonnes with grades between 280 and 340 grams per tonne silver-equivalent. Future drilling plans aim to assess potential extensions to the known mineralisation, as well as evaluate new areas such as Orient North and South. One drillhole is even scheduled to test the mineralisation between Orient West and East, providing additional insights into the broader system.
Looking ahead, the company has scheduled an extensive 2025 exploration program to commence mid-March, following the conclusion of the wet season. This program will further evaluate both the Orient West and Orient East areas as well as the surrounding regions, underscoring the project’s long-term potential as a significant source of silver and other critical metals essential for a low-emission future.
