On 23 July 2026, Arkle Resources PLC (-ARK), a multi-commodity energy metals explorer, announced that Group Eleven Resources, the operator of the Stonepark zinc project in County Limerick, Ireland, has discovered a significant new zinc-lead mineralised zone. Arkle holds an estimated 21.38% interest in this project. Located 550 metres from the current mineral resource estimate, this discovery marks the most substantial drilling result at Stonepark since Group Eleven took over operatorship in 2017, greatly enhancing the asset’s resource growth potential.
Key Points
- Arkle Resources PLC (-ARK) owns an estimated 21.38% stake in the Stonepark zinc-lead project operated by Group Eleven Resources in County Limerick, Ireland.
- Step-out drill hole 26-2638-07 intersected 2.8 metres grading 8.3% combined zinc and lead (5.5% zinc and 2.9% lead), including a high-grade 1.0 metre section with 21.7% combined zinc and lead (13.8% zinc and 7.9% lead) within a broader 14.7 metre zone averaging 2.0% combined zinc and lead.
- The mineralisation was discovered in previously untested ground 550 metres from the nearest edge of the existing Stonepark mineral resource estimate. Group Eleven describes this as the most significant advancement since acquiring the licence block in 2017.
- Group Eleven plans two more holes to complete the current 2,700-metre drilling campaign, with follow-up drilling in the new zone anticipated as part of a larger approximately 12,800-metre campaign expected to begin in late 2026 or early 2027.
Step-Out Drill Hole Reveals High-Grade Zinc-Lead Mineralisation in Untested Area
Group Eleven Resources reported that step-out hole 26-2638-07 intersected significant zinc-lead mineralisation in previously unexplored ground at Stonepark. The hole encountered 2.8 metres grading 8.3% combined zinc and lead, including a 1.0 metre core with 21.7% combined zinc and lead. Within this interval, a 0.95-metre section from 462.75 metres to 463.70 metres assayed 13.75% zinc and 7.9% lead, demonstrating exceptionally high grades. This mineralisation lies within the lowest 65 metres of the Waulsortian Limestone host formation and consists of sphalerite, galena, and pyrite minerals typical of the Stonepark deposit.
The broader mineralised envelope extends 14.7 metres with 2.0% combined zinc and lead from a downhole depth of 461 metres. Additionally, a second zone at depth includes 16.1 metres grading 0.4% zinc from 507 metres downhole, also within the Waulsortian Limestone. These results confirm consistent mineralisation style and composition with the existing Stonepark resource, indicating continuity of the zinc-lead system across a large area. Group Eleven noted that the massive to semi-massive sulphide characteristics in this new zone closely match the mineralisation style of the established resource, confirming a coherent system.
New Discovery Extends Mineralisation 550 Metres Beyond Existing Resource Boundary
The importance of this discovery is underscored by its location 550 metres beyond the closest edge of the current Stonepark mineral resource estimate. As of 26 April 2018, the existing inferred resource comprises 5.1 million tonnes at 11.3% combined zinc and lead (8.7% zinc and 2.6% lead). The new mineralisation substantially expands the potential footprint of the Stonepark zinc-lead system beyond the current resource limits.
Supporting this potential, historic drill hole TC-2638-030, located approximately 150 metres from the new discovery, previously intersected 3.2 metres grading 4.4% combined zinc and lead outside the defined resource. Group Eleven stated that the combination of the new high-grade intersection in hole 26-2638-07 and the nearby historic result has "drastically improved" the likelihood of resource growth in this area. This clustering of mineralisation occurrences in a relatively confined zone beyond the current resource boundary highlights the potential for significant resource additions with further drilling.
Most Significant Progress at Stonepark Since 2017 Operatorship Change
Since acquiring the Stonepark licence block in 2017, Group Eleven Resources has advanced exploration through systematic drilling and resource development. Seven step-out holes have been drilled near the existing resource, with the current result representing the most mineralised intersection to date. This milestone reflects Group Eleven’s disciplined approach to testing the Stonepark zinc-lead system’s boundaries and extensions. Previous drilling under Group Eleven’s operatorship yielded encouraging but less remarkable results, making this discovery a major step forward.
For Arkle Resources shareholders, this development is particularly significant given the company’s 21.38% interest in Stonepark, which was subject to cost actuals upon completion of the current drilling programme as announced in April 2026. Through this stake, Arkle offers investors exposure to a major zinc-lead exploration and resource development opportunity without bearing the full exploration costs. Rory Harding, CEO of Arkle Resources, stated the discovery "drastically improves the potential for resource growth at the Project" and is "the most mineralised of the seven step-out holes drilled near the resource in that time."
Stonepark’s Strategic Position Next to Glencore’s Pallas Green Deposit
Located within the Limerick Volcanic Complex, a metallogenic province with world-class mineral potential, Stonepark lies adjacent to Glencore’s Pallas Green zinc-lead deposit. Pallas Green hosts a substantially larger mineral resource, estimated as of 31 December 2025 at 45.4 million tonnes grading 8.4% combined zinc and lead (7.2% zinc and 1.2% lead), classified as inferred. The proximity and similar geological and mineralisation characteristics suggest Stonepark could develop into a significant zinc-lead resource of strategic importance for Ireland’s mining sector.
Arkle Resources played a foundational role in discovering Stonepark through a joint venture with Teck Resources. The company’s ongoing 21.38% equity interest reflects its commitment to advancing the project. The geological alignment with Glencore’s Pallas Green deposit and the region’s mining infrastructure advantage position Stonepark as a key asset within Ireland’s emerging tier-1 minerals portfolio.
Expanded Drilling Campaign to Test Mineralisation Extensions and Depth
Group Eleven Resources has outlined a comprehensive drilling programme at Stonepark. The current 2,700-metre campaign, including the discovery hole 26-2638-07, will conclude with two additional holes. Following this, a larger approximately 12,800-metre drilling campaign is planned to start in late 2026 or early 2027, pending board approval. This expanded programme aims to further delineate the new mineralised zone.
Hole 26-2638-07 was extended to 894 metres to test for deeper copper-silver mineralisation beneath the Waulsortian Limestone hosting the primary zinc-lead mineralisation. Assay results from this deeper interval are pending and may reveal additional mineralisation styles or commodities within Stonepark. The systematic testing of lateral step-outs and depth extensions, coupled with the near-surface discovery, reflects a disciplined exploration strategy to define the full extent of Stonepark’s mineral system. For Arkle shareholders, this extended drilling offers multiple potential value catalysts through 2026 and 2027.
Robust Technical Quality Assurance Ensures Data Integrity
Group Eleven Resources has implemented rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) protocols during the Stonepark drilling and sampling programme. NQ-sized core (47.6 mm diameter) was cut and sampled at intervals averaging 1.11 metres across 71 samples. Half-core samples were securely bagged, labelled, sealed, and stored at Group Eleven’s core facility in Limerick before shipment to ALS Laboratories in Loughrea, County Galway, via accredited courier and company staff to maintain chain of custody.
Analytical procedures included 34-element four-acid inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) using methods ME-ICP61 and ME-OG62. Industry-standard QAQC measures incorporated certified reference materials and blanks at regular intervals. The company’s Qualified Person reviewed all quality control data, confirming results fall within acceptable limits and that sampling and custody protocols meet professional standards. Chris M. Healey, P.Geo., Chief Geologist of Arkle Resources and a licensed professional geologist registered with Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia, reviewed and approved the technical information, confirming it meets Competent Person standards under mining disclosure regulations.
Arkle Resources’ Balanced Portfolio Combines Stonepark with African Energy Metals Assets
Founded in 2004, Arkle Resources PLC is a multi-commodity exploration company focused on metals critical to clean energy generation and storage, including uranium, lithium, and zinc. Its projects are located in tier-1 mining jurisdictions across Namibia, Botswana, and Ireland, adjacent to world-class deposits. In January 2026, Arkle completed a transformative acquisition of Namibia Uranium Pty Ltd, adding four prospective uranium licences contiguous to major uranium-producing and development assets in Namibia, a globally recognized uranium jurisdiction. This acquisition, combined with Arkle’s existing licences and new management, positions the company as a leading explorer in energy metals.
The Stonepark zinc project is a strategic asset within Arkle’s diversified portfolio, offering shareholders exposure to base metals exploration upside without full exploration cost burdens. Through its 21.38% interest, Arkle provides investors meaningful leverage to zinc-lead commodity exposure and a major exploration campaign, while preserving capital for uranium and lithium project development in Africa. CEO Rory Harding emphasized, "Through its estimated 21.38% interest, Arkle is providing shareholders with meaningful exposure to the upside of a major drilling campaign on a highly prospective zinc asset without the burden of significant exploration expenditure." This balanced portfolio allows participation in near-term exploration upside at Stonepark alongside long-term positions in uranium and lithium, commodities driven by energy transition and storage demand.
Annual General Meeting Set for 23 July 2026 in Dublin
Arkle Resources has scheduled its Annual General Meeting for 12 noon on Thursday, 23 July 2026, at the Teeling Whiskey Distillery, 13–17 Newmarket, The Liberties, Dublin 8, D08 KD91, Ireland. The Board has invited shareholders to attend, demonstrating commitment to transparency and engagement. The AGM timing coincides with the Stonepark discovery announcement, providing an opportunity to discuss recent exploration developments.
CEO Rory Harding and Chairman John Teeling welcome shareholder attendance and look forward to discussing the Stonepark discovery, the Namibian uranium drilling programme, and the broader project portfolio. Hosting the meeting in Dublin, near Stonepark, highlights Arkle’s Irish operational ties and dedication to the zinc-lead project.
Share Price Impact and Investor Outlook
The immediate impact on Arkle’s share price was not evident from available public data. The announcement represents a significant advancement in Stonepark’s exploration profile, where Arkle holds a 21.38% interest. The discovery of robust zinc-lead mineralisation in previously untested ground 550 metres beyond the current resource boundary materially enhances the asset’s prospectivity and opens new drilling targets.
Investors will be monitoring market reactions to this discovery’s significance and whether it drives a valuation uplift reflecting the expanded mineralisation footprint and resource extension potential. Group Eleven’s systematic exploration strategy and planned expanded drilling campaign commencing late 2026 or early 2027 provide multiple catalysts for future news flow and potential re-rating. Arkle’s diversified portfolio approach, combining near-term zinc-lead exploration upside with longer-term uranium and lithium projects in Africa, positions the company to benefit from commodity-specific and exploration-driven market dynamics. Investors will watch for results from the remaining current drilling and pending deeper assays from hole 26-2638-07, as well as formal board approval for follow-up drilling in the new zone.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Information is based on announcements from Arkle Resources PLC and Group Eleven Resources Corp. and should not be the sole basis for investment decisions. Past exploration success does not guarantee future outcomes. Mineral resource estimates are subject to significant uncertainty. Investors should conduct independent due diligence, review technical documentation, and seek professional financial and legal advice before investing. Exploration involves technical and commercial risks, with no guarantee of discovering economic mineral deposits or converting resources to reserves. Share prices may fluctuate significantly; investors should consider their risk tolerance and investment goals.