Iltani Resources (ASX:ILT) has begun its latest diamond drilling program as the company assesses further information on the variety of mineralisation and associated metal grades at the Orient silver-indium deposit in Queensland.
The program comprises of four diamond drillholes; two holes to be drilled for 455m at Orient West, followed by two holes for 450m at Orient East.
Iltani, with a market capitalisation of $12.12 million, says the drilling aims to provide core for oriented structural data to determine vein orientations, as well as samples of various mineralisation types and for metallurgical testwork once required.
The overall outcome aims to advance the geological knowledge of the Orient West and East mineralisation systems.
The company notes that the geological process included determining lithological, structural, and mineralisation characteristics, alongside similarities and differences between the two areas.
Iltani adds this information will be important for defining the geology for a resource infill program and for defining the styles for future exploration work.
Managing Director Donald Garner says one diamond hole has been completed to date at Orient.
“This hole was collared outside of the high-grade zone at Orient West, so we didn’t get to see the high-grade mineralisation in core — this new program will target the high-grade mineralisation at Orient West and East,” Garner says.
“The drill core will be orientated to generate structural and assay data for the JORC resource modelling and estimation process plus generate specific gravity data on the mineralisation types present.
“The drill core will also provide important data on the alteration, mineralogy and timing of the mineralisation at Orient West and East, enabling us to better target our exploration activities at Orient going forward.”
Iltani notes drilling is expected to take four weeks to complete.
Further, a reverse circulation drilling program is also underway at Orient West, with nine holes completed to date. The first assay results are expected shortly.
Orient is an extensive precious metal-rich epithermal system within a likely intrusion at depth and has similarities to the Bolivian silver-zinc-lead-indium-silver systems.
The deposit lies within the Herberton Project, covering 340km2, in Northern Queensland.
Iltani Resources is a mineral explorer focused on the discovery and development of critical minerals for a clean energy future.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Iltani Resources
