Apollo Minerals Tungsten Discovery Reveals Exceptional 5.3% WO3 Grades

Apollo Minerals Strikes Gold at Couflens: Historical Data Reveals 5.3% WO3 Tungsten Grades in Unmined Zones

The tungsten discovery at Apollo Minerals Ltd (ASX: AON) has announced significant high-grade tungsten mineralisation at its Couflens Project in France. The company's systematic review of historical drilling data has uncovered exceptional intercepts of up to 5.3% WO3 in previously unmined zones, positioning Couflens as one of Europe's premier tungsten opportunities.

The announcement represents a major validation of Apollo's strategic focus on the historic Salau mine site, which operated as one of the world's highest-grade tungsten operations before closure in 1986. With 950 diamond drill holes and 2,700 underground face samples now digitised and validated, Apollo has unlocked a treasure trove of exploration data that points to substantial unmined tungsten resources.

Exceptional Grade Intercepts Confirmed in Veronique Zone

Apollo's data review has focused on the unmined Veronique Zone, revealing a series of outstanding historical intercepts that demonstrate world-class tungsten grades. The intercepts are located adjacent to the unmined Veronique Zone, which historically produced at an average grade of 2.8% WO3 during its final six months of operation.

The consistency and scale of these results indicate substantial continuity of high-grade mineralisation beyond the areas previously mined. Multiple drill holes with logged scheelite were never sampled, expanding exploration potential.

This first release of historical drilling data from around the high-grade, unmined Veronique Zone within the Salau mine demonstrates world-class intercepts of tungsten mineralisation and highlights multiple adjacent trend targets.
Managing Director Neil Inwood

Key highlights from the data review include:

• 950 diamond holes and 2,700 underground samples identified and being digitised
• Multiple drill holes with logged scheelite that were never sampled, expanding exploration potential
• High-grade trends and down-dip targets identified around the Veronique Zone
• Significant gold potential with up to 24.5g/t Au associated with tungsten mineralisation

Understanding Tungsten Grades: Why WO3 Matters

What is WO3?

WO3 (tungsten trioxide) is the standard measure for tungsten content in ore. It represents the oxidised form of tungsten and is the basis for all commercial tungsten transactions and resource calculations.

Why These Grades Are Exceptional

Global tungsten mines typically operate at grades of 0.1-0.5% WO3. Apollo's intercepts of 1.4-5.3% WO3 are 3-50 times higher than typical operations. The Salau mine's historical average of 1.5% WO3 made it one of the world's highest-grade tungsten operations.

Higher grades mean lower mining costs and higher profit margins per tonne of ore processed. Furthermore, the tungsten discovery at Apollo Minerals Ltd demonstrates exceptional value potential through these superior grade characteristics.

Investment Significance

High-grade tungsten deposits are extremely rare globally, making projects like Couflens valuable strategic assets in Europe's critical minerals supply chain. Tungsten is classified as a critical mineral by major economies, with limited supply sources outside China creating strategic value.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure Advantages

The Couflens Project benefits from exceptional infrastructure and strategic positioning. Located 130km south of Toulouse in the French Pyrenees, the project comprises a 42km² exploration licence covering the historic Salau mine.

Infrastructure Benefits:

• Existing underground access via 1230 and 1320 level drives
• 24km of underground development already completed from previous operations
• Seven underground levels accessing two main mineralised systems

Historical Production:

• 930,000 tonnes of ore produced at 1.5% WO3 average grade (1971-1986)
• Approximately 13,950 tonnes of WO3 concentrate produced
• Mine operated as one of the world's highest-grade tungsten operations during its operational life

The unmined Veronique Zone remains accessible from existing underground infrastructure. In addition, multiple untested gold-tungsten prospects across the broader 4km mineralised trend provide significant exploration upside.

Multiple Exploration Targets Across Couflens

Beyond the immediate Veronique Zone opportunity, Apollo has identified several high-priority exploration targets across the project area.

Unmined Zones

• Christine Zone – discovered by previous operators but never mined
• Ouer d'Aigle (Eagle) Zone – documented scheelite occurrence, largely untested
• Remnant mineralisation around previously mined areas targeting >1% WO3 zones

Regional Exploration

• Multiple scheelite skarn occurrences on the surface flanks of La Fourque granodiorite
• Tungsten-copper-gold prospects identified across the broader project area
• 4km mineralised trend with significant discovery potential

Gold Potential

Research indicates that gold mineralisation is associated with the same high-temperature hydrothermal fluids that created the tungsten deposits. These fluids follow east-west trending fault structures, presenting additional upside potential for a tungsten-gold polymetallic operation.

Near-Term Catalysts and Development Timeline

Apollo is advancing on multiple fronts to unlock value at Couflens. The company is progressing permitting, engagement with the government and local stakeholders, and discussions with potential contracting partners to advance mine access.

Immediate Priorities

• Complete validation of historical data for Christine and Eagle zones
• Permitting progression for future drilling activities
• Underground channel sampling of accessible mine areas
• Contracting partner discussions for underground operations

Exploration Programme

• Airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys over priority areas
• Underground and surface drilling to test known mineralised zones and new targets
• Metallurgical test work to refine processing flowsheets

The existing infrastructure reduces capital requirements for access. Moreover, proven mineralisation systems are supported by historical production data, whilst multiple exploration targets provide a portfolio approach to discovery in a mining-friendly jurisdiction.

Investment Thesis: Europe's Premier Tungsten Opportunity

Apollo Minerals presents a compelling investment proposition in the critical tungsten sector through its exceptional grade quality and strategic positioning.

Market Context

Growing demand from aerospace, defence, and renewable energy sectors supports tungsten's classification as a critical mineral. Limited supply sources outside China create strategic value, particularly for high-grade European projects which are extremely rare.

Execution Advantages

Apollo's experienced management team brings a proven track record to the systematic approach to data validation and exploration. Strong stakeholder relationships in France provide a clear pathway from exploration to development utilising existing infrastructure.

Why Investors Should Follow Apollo Minerals

Apollo Minerals has positioned itself at the forefront of Europe's tungsten exploration sector. Several factors make this company a compelling investment story for those seeking exposure to critical minerals.

Strategic Asset Base

The Couflens Project represents one of Europe's few high-grade tungsten opportunities. Historical production data proves the economic viability of the mineralisation system, whilst the combination of exceptional grades and existing infrastructure creates a unique development pathway.

Data-Driven Approach

Apollo's systematic review of 950 historical drill holes demonstrates a methodical approach to unlocking value from this world-class asset. Furthermore, the identification of unsampled scheelite intercepts provides significant near-term exploration upside.

Multiple Value Catalysts

• Data validation results from Christine and Eagle zones
• Drilling programme results from high-priority targets
• Permitting milestones enabling underground access
• Partnership opportunities with major tungsten consumers

Critical Minerals Exposure

Apollo provides investors with exposure to a sector essential for energy transition and defence applications. This positioning is particularly valuable given limited supply sources outside China and tungsten's strategic importance.

Consequently, the tungsten discovery at Apollo Minerals Ltd creates exceptional investment potential through its combination of world-class mineralisation and strategic positioning. The company has identified exceptional tungsten grades at Couflens, with intercepts of up to 5.3% WO3 in unmined zones.

The combination of world-class mineralisation, existing infrastructure, and systematic exploration approach positions Apollo as Europe's premier tungsten opportunity. With multiple near-term catalysts and 950 historical drill holes validating the resource potential, investors should closely monitor Apollo's progress at this strategically important project.

The tungsten sector's supply constraints and Apollo's high-grade European asset create a compelling investment thesis for those seeking exposure to critical minerals with immediate development potential.

Ready to Explore Apollo Minerals' Tungsten Opportunity?

Apollo Minerals' exceptional tungsten grades of up to 5.3% WO3 at Couflens represent a rare European critical minerals opportunity. With 950 historical drill holes validating world-class mineralisation in unmined zones and existing underground infrastructure already in place, Apollo is positioned to unlock significant value in this strategically important sector. To access detailed ASX announcements, technical data, and the latest developments on Apollo's systematic approach to developing Europe's premier tungsten project, visit the company's investor portal.