Litchfield Minerals’ Oonagalabi Copper Discovery Returns 8% Cu Results

Litchfield Minerals Uncovers Promising Copper Targets at Oonagalabi Project

Gossanous Copper Discovery Strengthens Case for Large Mineral System

Litchfield Minerals (ASX: LMS) has reported highly encouraging results from ground-truthing activities at its Oonagalabi copper discovery by Litchfield Minerals in the Northern Territory, following a recently completed VTEM survey that identified 14 Priority 1 conductors. The company has discovered gossanous copper material directly above a key VTEM conductor, returning up to 8% Cu in preliminary XRF readings, significantly boosting confidence in the project's potential.

"Ground-truthing and final VTEM data materially lift our conviction in Oonagalabi as a potentially large, significant mineralised system," said Managing Director Matt Pustahya. "We've now confirmed gossanous copper directly above the VTEM 1 high-priority conductor, mapped fresh exposures of the mineralised Oonagalabi Formation with stronger alteration at the Bomb Diggity conductive cluster, and logged multiple Priority 1 conductors with clear indicators that fit a sulphide model."

Key Exploration Highlights

• VTEM Conductor 1: In-situ gossanous material identified with up to 8% copper (XRF) directly above the centre of a large VTEM conductor
• VTEM Conductor 2: Presence of a distinctive plant species (dubbed "Zinc Bush") observed only in association with copper-zinc mineralisation
• Bomb Diggity Cluster: New exposures of copper mineralisation discovered, extending potential strike length by a further 1km
• System Scale: Multiple new targets extend north and south of Oonagalabi, indicating a potentially much larger mineralised system than previously recognised

Mineralisation Indicators Boost Drill-Target Confidence

The ground-truthing work has significantly enhanced the company's confidence in its VTEM targets. Three of the four priority conductors that were ground-truthed displayed mineralisation indicators, including both physical copper mineralisation and geobotanical indicators.

At the 500m long, highly conductive VT1 target, gossanous copper occurs directly above the conductor plate. The gossan, which forms from the oxidation of fresh sulphides, comprises massive iron oxide (90%), quartz (8%), disseminated copper silicate (2% chrysocolla) and trace disseminated fresh chalcopyrite.

At VT2, while no surface copper was observed, two independent vectors lifted confidence: the presence of the "Zinc Bush" geobotanical indicator, seen by the exploration team only over Cu-Zn mineralisation, and confirmation that the area sits within the mineralised horizon.

Bomb Diggity Cluster: Expanding the Scale of the System

One of the most promising developments is at the Bomb Diggity cluster of VTEM conductors, where ground truthing has confirmed previously unidentified exposed Oonagalabi Formation, adding a further 1km of strike to the Oonagalabi system.

The outcropping mineralisation is estimated to comprise massive anthophyllite (98%), malachite and disseminated chalcopyrite (2%). This points to a system much larger than historically recognised and not constrained by earlier fault interpretations.

Understanding the Bomb Diggity Target

Bomb Diggity is a large +1km long and deep, 'blind', pipe-like magnetic body located ~900m northeast of the main Oonagalabi outcrop. Ground gravity has defined three coincident density anomalies adjacent to this magnetic feature, indicating a potentially significant intrusive/alteration centre that could act as a heat/metal/fluid source.

Previous drilling of a modelled magnetic structure related to Bomb Diggity intersected magnetite-Bi-Au-Ag mineralisation, returning 15m @ 0.45 g/t Au, 0.17% Bi, 1.09 g/t Ag, including 1m @ 2.86 g/t Au, 0.84% Bi. This is interpreted as vectors toward the Bomb Diggity source.

What is a Gossan and Why It Matters

A gossan is a highly oxidized, weathered or decomposed rock, usually the upper and exposed part of an ore deposit or mineral vein. In the context of Litchfield's discovery, the presence of gossanous material directly above a VTEM conductor is significant for several reasons:

1. Gossans form from the oxidation of sulfide minerals when exposed to weathering processes
2. They often serve as a surface indicator of potentially economic mineralisation at depth
3. The copper content (up to 8% in XRF readings) in the gossan suggests a potentially copper-rich sulfide source below
4. Their characteristic appearance (often iron-stained with boxwork textures) makes them recognizable targets during field exploration

The presence of gossanous copper directly above the VTEM conductor provides strong evidence supporting the company's model of sulfide mineralisation at depth.

Project Context and Prospectivity

Oonagalabi is positioned in a highly prospective structural setting northeast of Alice Springs where deep crustal architecture and continental-scale gravity lineaments intersect, features commonly associated with Tier-1 systems. Geoscience Australia's IOCG prospectivity mapping classifies the broader Oonagalabi area as having moderate IOCG (Iron Oxide Copper Gold) potential.

Within this corridor, mineralisation at Oonagalabi is focused in the Oonagalabi Formation (marble, calc-silicates, garnet-quartzite). The recent geophysics and mapping highlight multiple conductive/chargeable targets along this prospective horizon, consistent with a large, mineralised footprint.

Upcoming Work Program

Litchfield has outlined its next steps to advance the project:

• Mobilisation of earthmoving equipment in early September to prepare drill pads and access tracks
• Commencement of RC drilling program in mid-September, starting at the Bomb Diggity cluster
• Testing of selected Priority 1 conductors followed by potential Au-Bi-Ag zones at Oonagalabi
• Down-hole EM surveys on all VTEM RC holes to refine conductor geometry and vectors to sulfides

Why Investors Should Take Notice

Litchfield Minerals' exploration results at the Oonagalabi copper discovery by Litchfield Minerals demonstrate the potential for a significant copper discovery in a geologically favorable setting. Several factors make this an intriguing opportunity for investors:

1. Multiple Exploration Vectors: The convergence of geophysical conductors, gossanous copper outcrops, and geobotanical indicators all point to a potentially significant mineralised system.

2. Expanding Footprint: The discovery of new mineralised outcrops has extended the potential strike length by an additional kilometer, suggesting the system is larger than previously recognised.

3. Strategic Metal Focus: Copper is essential for the global energy transition, with supply shortfalls projected in coming years.

4. Systematic Exploration Approach: The company is methodically testing its targets, building confidence through multiple independent data sets before drilling.

5. Upcoming Catalysts: With earthmoving equipment mobilising in early September and drilling scheduled to commence in mid-September, investors can expect a steady flow of news in the coming months.

As Managing Director Matt Pustahya noted, "This is a big, complex system and it deserves a proper methodical test across several high-priority targets… With successful execution of the plan we've mapped out, the next quarter has the potential to be genuinely company-defining."

Ready to Be Part of Litchfield's Copper Discovery Journey?

Discover more about Litchfield Minerals' promising copper targets at the Oonagalabi Project and their systematic exploration approach that could deliver significant shareholder value. With drilling set to commence and a large mineralised system taking shape, now is the time to investigate this emerging opportunity. For comprehensive investor information and to stay updated on upcoming drilling results, visit www.litchfieldminerals.com.au.