Iltani Resources (ASX: ILT) has launched its stage one reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Orient silver-lead-zinc-indium-antimony project in Herberton, Queensland.
The critical minerals and base metals explorer reports the RC drilling program will consist of 9 drillholes (estimated 1,350m drilled) at Orient East/Nannum Consolidated and 7 RC drillholes (estimated 950m drilled) at Orient West. The drillholes are designed to target known vein systems, areas of stockwork mineralisation to better understand the size and potential of the Orient system.
Iltani is in the final stages of completing a review of the geophysical exploration carried out by previous owner, Red River Resources, in 2021.
The company will use data generated from the review to fine tune drilling planned in stage one and design a follow-up geophysical survey planned to be completed in September 2023.
The company will use data generated from the review to fine tune drilling planned in stage one and design a follow-up geophysical survey planned to be completed in September 2023
Iltani has also engaged Geomap geological consultant Nick Tate to complete a detailed mapping exercise over the Orient mineral system to better understand the vein distribution and alteration zones. This is planned to be completed in late August 2023.
Mineralisation in the Orient project area was discovered in 1886 and mined until 1924, with historic mining activities occurring at both Orient West and Orient East, approximately 2km apart.
Mining was conducted intermittently on lodes continuing for more than 600m at Orient East and mineralised veins have been mapped over more than 900m at Orient West.
Production figures from Orient are incomplete but records from the Queensland Mines Department include 6,600 tons of ‘high-grade’ ore averaging 46 ounces of silver and 40% lead per ton. The mineralisation occurs as veins, up to 2m wide, dipping at an average of 50 degrees to the south-southeast over a strike length of 500-900m, plus zones of stockwork mineralisation.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Iltani Resources Ltd
