McLaren Minerals (ASX:MML) reports ‘standout’ drilling results from its 2026 mineral resource upgrade program at its namesake titanium project in Western Australia.
Comprising 61 holes over 1,293m of complete sampled intervals, the latest assays demonstrate “strong grade and thickness”, returning a length-weighted average of 4.57% heavy minerals (HM) over 21.2m from surface.
Key intercepts include 24m @ 7.54% HM from surface, which featured a peak grade of 20.10% HM from 23m. Other key results include 13m @ 7.25% HM and 27m @ 5.83% HM.
McLaren also notes that this set of assays features broad, higher-grade intervals, with 10 holes yielding at least 21m @ 5% HM or better, including 8 holes intercepting at least 24m @ 5% or better.
Overall, 43 holes averaged at least 4% HM, with nine returning individual 1m assays of at least 10% HM.
Managing Director Simon Finnis says it is “very pleasing” to see more “excellent” results from McLaren, noting that recent drill releases have averaged 4.96% HM over 15.8m in August and 5.44% HM over 16.2m in early September.
“Noting that all of these results exceed the grade of the 2025 mineral resource estimate of 529 million tonnes [Mt] @ 4.5% HM gives confidence for the next mineral resource update due later this year,” Finnis remarks.
The current 529Mt McLaren resource comprises 249Mt indicated @ 4.70% HM and 280Mt inferred @ 4.20% HM. It contains 23.7Mt of in situ heavy minerals with 28.7% ilmenite, 0.7% rutile, 1.8% leucoxene, and 0.5% zircon.
McLaren intends to incorporate the final 2026 assay results into an updated geological model and resource estimate to support future ore reserve estimation and Bankable Feasibility Study activities. Metallurgical test work and technical studies will also follow.
McLaren Minerals is an explorer focused on developing its McLaren Minerals Titanium Project in WA’s Eucla Basin.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Images: McLaren Minerals
