McLaren Minerals (ASX:MML) has reported further assay results from 57 drill holes at its McLaren Titanium Project in Western Australia, adding 1,146m of sampled intervals to the 2026 drilling dataset.
The latest results return a length-weighted average of 4% heavy minerals (HM) over an average thickness of 20.1m. Notably, all intervals started from surface and with no HM cut-off applied.
Broad mineralisation continues across the deposit, with 53 holes (93%) returning at least 15m of continuous sampled interval. This includes 26 holes (46%) that extend for at least 21m.
‘Higher-grade’ zones occur within the broader mineralised profile, with 10 holes returning individual 1m assays of at least 10% HM. The ‘highest’ individual results were 17.99% HM in MAC583 and 15.6% HM in MAC599.
‘Standout’ complete-hole results include 15m @ 6.88% HM in MAC625, 18m @ 5.87% HM in MAC623, 20m @ 5.69% HM in MAC599, and 21m @ 5.53% HM in MAC620.
Managing Director Simon Finnis says the results demonstrate the deposit’s consistency and straightforward nature.
“More of what we’ve come to expect from McLaren. Broad intervals, with good grades, all from surface,” Finnis notes.
“What really sets McLaren apart — and what we’ve said all along — is that it is a very consistent deposit, and a very straightforward deposit, which will lead to ease of mining at scale, and a traditional processing flowsheet.”
The company says these attributes provide confidence for modest operating costs, as outlined in its Prefeasibility Study.
Grade distribution and project pathway
Grade distribution across the deposit is consistent, with a defined proportion of holes carrying elevated grades.
A total of nine holes returned an interval of at least 15m at an average grade of 5% HM or better. Meanwhile, 28 holes (49%) averaged at least 4% HM, while nine holes (16%) averaged at least 5% HM.
“The continuation of high-grade intersections will give us flexibility in the mine plan to ensure we give the project the best possible start,” Finnis adds.
The 2026 program was designed to increase confidence in McLaren’s existing 529-million-tonne (Mt) indicated and inferred mineral resource. It also aimed to support future ore reserve estimation and assess opportunities for resource growth.
The company will integrate the complete 2026 drilling dataset into an updated geological model and mineral resource estimate.
McLaren will also progress metallurgical test work and technical studies supporting future ore reserve estimation and Bankable Feasibility Study activities.
The McLaren Project hosts a 529Mt mineral resource grading 4.5% HM in the Eucla Basin of WA.
McLaren Minerals is an Australian mineral sands developer advancing titanium and zircon assets.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Main image: McLaren Minerals
