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Dart Mining (ASX:DTM) has delivered its strongest drilling results to date at the Banshee antimony mine in Central Queensland, with assays from hole CBADD002 revealing exceptional gold grades up to 18.30 g/t Au – the highest single gold assay recorded at the project. The results confirm the emerging picture of a substantial gold-antimony system at the Coonambula project, where Dart is earning into a joint venture with Great Divide Mining (ASX:GDM).
The latest drilling has intersected 6.5m @ 5.16 g/t Au within a broader mineralised zone, demonstrating both continuity and grade enhancement over 200 metres away from the historic Banshee pit. With 11 holes completed totalling 1,354 metres and only two holes reported so far, investors are positioned for a steady flow of results over the coming months.
Furthermore, CBADD002 has delivered multiple high-grade intersections that significantly advance the geological understanding at Coonambula:
| Intersection | Width | Gold Grade | Silver | Antimony |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 134.0-135.4m | 1.4m | 2.00 g/t Au | 0.72 g/t Ag | 0.97% Sb |
| Including | 0.3m | 7.33 g/t Au | 1.64 g/t Ag | 4.40% Sb |
| 175.5-176.5m | 1.0m | 2.15 g/t Au | 0.85 g/t Ag | 0.08% Sb |
| 180.0-186.5m | 6.5m | 5.16 g/t Au | 0.96 g/t Ag | 0.15% Sb |
Within this 6.5-metre zone, the drilling revealed remarkable high-grade intervals including 1.5m @ 7.32 g/t Au from 182.5m. Additionally, the results show 0.5m @ 18.30 g/t Au from 184.5m, representing the highest gold grade to date. The zone also contains 1.0m @ 6.38 g/t Au + 0.92% Sb from 185.5m.
The drilling results demonstrate that high-grade gold mineralisation extends well beyond the immediate vicinity of the historic workings. Moreover, the mineralisation occurs within hydrothermal breccia zones that may indicate a deeper, more extensive gold system.
"The gold mineralised breccia at the base of CBADD002 is of significant interest and may reflect a deeper gold rich system. These assays are a promising continuation of the mineralisation potential at Coonambula with some very impressive gold numbers over 200m away from the Banshee Pit," commented Chairman James Chirnside.
In addition, the drilling is revealing consistent mineralisation controls across the system, with stibnite zones sitting within broader gold halos. This geological relationship provides an excellent exploration tool, as the antimony mineralisation acts as a pathfinder for the more economically significant gold zones.
Key geological observations include:
CBADD002 sits approximately 70 metres along section from the first hole (CBADD001), confirming geological continuity and providing confidence in the interpreted mineralisation model.
Antimony is classified as a critical mineral by both Australian and US governments due to its essential role in flame retardants, batteries, and military applications. With China dominating global production (approximately 60%), secure Western sources are increasingly valuable.
Furthermore, antimony occurs naturally as stibnite, a mineral containing antimony sulfide. The metal has unique properties that make it essential for modern industry, particularly its fire-retardant characteristics and ability to harden other metals when used as an alloy.
The massive stibnite veining observed at Banshee, with grades up to 32.20% Sb in previous drilling, positions the project as a potentially significant antimony resource in a supply-constrained market.
However, the current drilling programme builds on an impressive foundation of previous exploration:
This consistent track record across multiple exploration methods demonstrates the robust nature of the mineralisation and supports continued investment in the project.
With substantial drilling completed but only two holes reported, investors can expect regular news flow over the coming months:
The systematic approach to releasing results and the funded exploration pipeline provide clear visibility for investors tracking the project's development.
Dart Mining has positioned itself at the intersection of two critical trends: the growing demand for secure critical mineral supplies and the ongoing strength in gold markets. The Coonambula project offers several compelling investment themes:
| Investment Theme | Coonambula Advantage |
|---|---|
| Critical Minerals Exposure | High-grade antimony in secure jurisdiction |
| Gold Leverage | Record gold grades with system expansion potential |
| Exploration Momentum | Consistent results with substantial drilling pipeline |
| Strategic Location | 70km from Cracow gold mine, established infrastructure |
| Resource Potential | 5km prospective strike length, multiple historic mines |
The project sits within established gold mining infrastructure, just 70km from Evolution Mining's multi-million-ounce Cracow gold mine. Consequently, this provides potential operational synergies and established processing pathways.
With 282 square kilometres under tenure and only limited modern exploration completed across the broader project area, Coonambula represents significant blue-sky potential beyond the current drilling focus at Banshee.
The partnership structure with Great Divide Mining provides Dart Mining with access to proven ground whilst allowing them to earn into a meaningful stake through exploration expenditure. This arrangement reduces upfront capital requirements whilst maintaining significant exposure to discovery potential.
For instance, investors should consider that Dart Mining's Coonambula project combines several advantageous factors. The company has demonstrated consistent high-grade results across multiple exploration programmes, establishing credibility in their technical approach.
Moreover, the strategic location near established mining infrastructure reduces potential development risks. The proximity to Evolution Mining's Cracow operation provides access to experienced mining contractors, processing facilities, and skilled workforce.
The dual commodity nature of the project offers diversified revenue streams. While gold provides immediate market appeal, the antimony component adds strategic value during a period of increasing supply chain security concerns.
In conclusion, Dart Mining has delivered record-breaking gold results at Coonambula whilst building a compelling antimony story in a supply-constrained critical minerals market. With 9 drill holes pending results and a clear pathway to resource definition, investors should monitor DTM closely as the company advances toward becoming a significant player in Queensland's emerging antimony-gold province.
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