Kali Metals Marble Bar Drilling Targets High-Grade Gold Extensions

Kali Metals Expands Marble Bar Gold Discovery Through Systematic Phase II Campaign

Kali Metals Limited (ASX: KM1) has commenced its 4,000-metre Phase II drilling program at the Marble Bar Gold Project in Western Australia's Eastern Pilbara region, building on encouraging results from its initial exploration phase that delivered high-grade intercepts including 5m @ 2.3 g/t gold from surface.

The expanded drilling campaign represents a significant step-up in exploration activity, designed to systematically advance the company's understanding of gold mineralisation across three key prospects whilst testing for deeper extensions of the identified surface mineralisation.

Phase II Program Targets High-Grade Gold Zones

The 4,000-metre Phase II program combines 3,500m of Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling with approximately 500m of diamond drilling (DD), strategically designed to build on the Phase I results completed in December 2025.

The program focuses on two critical objectives:

Infill Drilling Strategy:

• Tighten drill spacing from ~200m to ~40m across Sherman, Churchill and Tiger Prospects
• Target surface gold mineralisation that delivered standout results:
  • 5m @ 2.3 g/t from surface at Sherman Prospect
  • 4m @ 3.2 g/t from surface at Churchill Prospect
  • 4m @ 2.4 g/t from surface at Tiger Prospect

Down-Dip Extension Testing:

• Test deeper potential at Tiger and Sherman Prospects
• Follow up high-grade intercepts including 2m @ 4.1 g/t gold from 17m depth
• Explore continuity of mineralisation beyond surface exposures

Furthermore, the drilling program is expected to take 4-6 weeks to complete, with final assay results anticipated 3-4 weeks after laboratory submission, providing a relatively quick turnaround for shareholders.

Understanding Reverse Circulation (RC) Drilling

Reverse Circulation drilling is a cost-effective exploration method that uses compressed air to bring rock samples to surface through the drill rod's centre. Unlike conventional drilling where samples are mixed with drilling fluids, RC drilling provides cleaner, more representative samples of the geology being penetrated.

Why RC Matters for Investors:

• Cost-efficient for covering large areas quickly
• Reliable sampling for accurate grade determination
• Ideal for shallow targets like Marble Bar's surface mineralisation
• Fast turnaround for assay results compared to diamond drilling

This drilling method is particularly suited to Marble Bar's geology, where significant gold mineralisation has been identified at or near surface. Consequently, this makes it an optimal choice for the infill component of Kali's Phase II program.

RC vs Diamond Drilling Comparison:

The 500m diamond drilling component will provide detailed geological information and structural understanding critical for resource development, whilst the bulk RC drilling efficiently tests continuity across the prospects.

Strategic Approach to Resource Development

Managing Director Commentary

"The Phase II drilling program is focused on advancing our understanding of the Marble Bar system by both tightening drill spacing across the key Sherman, Churchill and Tiger prospects, and testing for extensions at depth."

Paul Adams, Managing Director

The company's methodical strategy reflects industry best practices for resource development:

In addition, the 40-metre drill spacing represents a significant increase in resolution that should provide much greater confidence in the continuity and grade distribution of the gold mineralisation across all three prospects.

Key Drilling Targets by Prospect:

Marble Bar Project: Eastern Pilbara Gold Opportunity

The Marble Bar Gold Project sits within Western Australia's Eastern Pilbara region, an area with established gold mining infrastructure and a long history of production. The project's location offers several advantages for potential development:

Infrastructure Access:

• Proximity to established mining operations
• Road access to processing facilities
• Available skilled workforce in the region

Geological Setting:

• Located in proven gold-bearing geology
• Multiple prospect areas identified across the tenure
• Surface mineralisation indicating potential for open-pit mining scenarios

The project covers nine exploration tenements (E45/4700, E45/5970, E45/6389, E45/6429, E45/6430, E45/7036, E45/7037, E45/7150, E45/7151), providing substantial exploration upside beyond the current drill targets.

Regional Context:

The Eastern Pilbara has produced millions of ounces of gold from both alluvial and hard rock sources over more than a century. The region's geological characteristics include Archaean greenstone belts and associated gold-bearing quartz vein systems, similar to those being explored at Marble Bar.

Near-Term Catalysts and Timeline

Kali Metals has established a clear timeline for delivering results to shareholders:

Immediate Milestones:

1. 4-6 weeks: Completion of 4,000m drilling program
2. 7-10 weeks: Final assay results received
3. Q4 2025: Resource estimation potential dependent on results

Key Catalysts to Watch:

• Weekly drilling updates and progress reports
• Initial assay results from early holes
• Geological interpretation updates
• Potential resource estimation if results warrant

The relatively short turnaround time for assay results means shareholders won't have to wait long to see the impact of this expanded drilling program on the project's prospects.

Key Investment Milestone

The transition from 200m to 40m drill spacing represents a critical step toward resource definition, with tighter spacing typically required for maiden resource estimates under JORC guidelines.

Investment Thesis: Systematic Gold Exploration Play

Kali Metals presents a compelling exploration story built on systematic advancement of multiple gold prospects:

Key Investment Drivers:

• Proven mineralisation with high-grade surface intercepts already confirmed
• Systematic exploration approach designed to build resource confidence
• Multiple prospects providing portfolio diversification within the project
• Eastern Pilbara location offering infrastructure and operational advantages

For instance, the Phase II program represents a logical progression from initial discovery to resource definition, with the potential to significantly advance the project's development trajectory. The combination of infill and extension drilling should provide clarity on both the size and grade continuity of the mineralisation.

Exploration Value Drivers:

Broader Portfolio Context:

Beyond Marble Bar, Kali Metals holds 4,029km² of exploration tenure across Western Australia and the Southern Lachlan Fold Belt, prospective for gold, lithium and critical minerals, providing additional exploration upside for long-term value creation.

Technical Drilling Programme Details

The Phase II program has been designed based on geological observations from Phase I drilling and represents a systematic approach to resource development:

RC Drilling Component (3,500m):

• Primary focus on infill drilling between existing holes
• Testing of strike extensions at all three prospects
• Grade definition drilling to establish continuity
• Optimal sample quality for assay accuracy

Diamond Drilling Component (500m):

• Structural analysis and geological interpretation
• Metallurgical sample collection
• Detailed lithological logging
• Geotechnical assessment for future development

However, the flexibility to adjust the diamond drilling component based on geological observations demonstrates the company's adaptive approach to exploration. This ensures resources are deployed effectively as new information becomes available.

What Makes This Drilling Campaign Significant?

The Kali Metals Marble Bar drilling program represents a transition from initial discovery to systematic resource development. Several technical aspects make this campaign particularly noteworthy:

Sample Quality Enhancement:

The RC drilling method provides superior sample quality compared to conventional methods. Furthermore, the systematic spacing reduction ensures comprehensive coverage of the mineralised zones.

Multi-Prospect Evaluation:

Testing three distinct prospects simultaneously allows for comparative analysis and resource prioritisation. Consequently, this approach maximises the value from each drilling metre.

Why Investors Should Follow Kali Metals

The commencement of Phase II drilling marks a significant inflection point for Kali Metals, transitioning from initial discovery to systematic resource development. Several factors make this an important company to track:

Near-Term Catalysts:

• High-probability news flow over coming weeks
• Potential for resource estimation if drilling confirms continuity
• Multiple prospects providing sustained exploration activity

Strategic Position:

• Experienced management team with proven track record
• Quality tenure in established mining region
• Systematic approach to exploration and development

Growth Potential:

• Surface mineralisation suggesting potential for low-cost mining
• Multiple prospects providing exploration upside
• Broader portfolio offering diversification across commodities

Investment Summary

With high-grade surface mineralisation confirmed across three prospects and a systematic 4,000m drilling program now underway, Kali Metals has positioned itself as a methodical explorer in the proven Eastern Pilbara gold province. The transition to 40m drill spacing and down-dip testing represents critical steps toward resource definition.

Risk Considerations:

Whilst the systematic approach reduces exploration risk, investors should note that drilling results remain uncertain until assays are received. The success of Phase II drilling will largely determine whether the project advances to resource estimation or requires additional exploration phases.

The company's relatively quick assay turnaround of 3-4 weeks after drilling completion means investors will have clarity on the program's success within approximately 10 weeks, providing a defined timeline for investment decision-making.

Key Takeaway

Kali Metals has positioned itself as a systematic gold explorer in the Eastern Pilbara, with Phase II drilling at Marble Bar representing a critical step toward resource definition. With high-grade surface mineralisation already confirmed and a well-planned 4,000m drilling program underway, investors should expect regular news flow and potential resource updates over the coming months.

The company's methodical approach and quality tenure make it a compelling exploration play worth monitoring closely.

Could Kali Metals Be Your Next Gold Discovery Play?

With Phase II drilling now underway at Marble Bar and high-grade surface mineralisation already confirmed across three prospects, Kali Metals represents a compelling systematic exploration opportunity in the proven Eastern Pilbara gold province. The company's methodical approach to transitioning from 200m to 40m drill spacing, combined with down-dip extension testing, positions it for potential resource definition over the coming months. To discover more about Kali Metals' strategic drilling programme, the technical advantages of their RC drilling approach, and why this Eastern Pilbara project could represent significant value creation potential, watch our detailed company analysis here.