Iltani Resources has completed a significant phase of exploration at its Orient silver-indium project in northern Queensland, but the onset of the wet season has introduced both operational challenges and strategic opportunities.
With 33 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes finished across the Orient East, West, and South prospects, Iltani has demobilised its drill rigs and shifted focus to data analysis and planning during the seasonal downtime.
The wet season in northern Queensland typically brings heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, halting field operations but offering an opportunity for data analysis and geological modelling.
“Drilling was paused due to the onset of wet season rainfall, with heavy thunderstorms already impacting the Orient area,” Iltani managing director Donald Garner said.
“We will complete the remaining drill holes when we get back on site after the wet season abates in early 2025.”
Despite the interruption, Iltani has made significant headway, completing 25 RC drill holes at Orient East to support an initial exploration target.
Meanwhile, Orient West saw the start of a JORC-compliant infill drilling program, with seven holes (1504m) drilled and 42 more planned for early 2025.
These efforts are part of a broader strategy to define the potential of the Orient system, a project spanning multiple prospects over an extensive 6km² area.
While fieldwork is on hold, Iltani has dispatched over 2000 samples to ALS Townsville for assay, with results expected over December and January.
These assays will feed updated geological models for Orient East and Orient West, forming the foundation for resource estimates and further exploration planning.
The wet season also provides time for logistical preparation and Iltani intends to expedite progress once conditions allow.
“We are planning to get at least two drill rigs back on site to up the pace of the drilling and enable us to start testing the down dip extensions of the higher-grade vein systems,” Garner said.
Although the wet season is a natural hurdle, Iltani is using this period to consolidate its understanding of the Orient project.
By refining its geological models and assay data, the company aims to hit the ground running in early 2025, ready to expand its drilling programs and unlock the potential of its critical mineral assets.
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