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Dart Mining NL (ASX:DTM) has delivered another compelling set of Dart Mining gold drilling results from its Coonambula antimony-gold project in Queensland, with the latest assays confirming the presence of broad, shallow gold zones that extend both down-dip and along strike. The standout intersection of 4.9m @ 5.27 g/t Au from drill hole CBADD013 represents one of the strongest gold results to date and validates the company's systematic diamond drilling approach.
These results complete Dart's 2025 drilling programme and mark a significant step toward the company's milestone earn-in requirements for the joint venture with Great Divide Mining (ASX:GDM). Furthermore, with 3,585.9m of diamond core now completed across the Banshee prospect, Dart is building a robust dataset to support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate.
| Drill Hole | From (m) | Width (m) | Gold Grade (g/t) | Silver (g/t) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBADD013 | 21.0 | 4.9 | 5.27 | 0.62 | Primary target zone |
| – Including | 22.2 | 1.0 | 14.6 | 0.58 | High-grade core |
| – Including | 24.7 | 1.2 | 4.49 | 1.65 | Consistent mineralisation |
| CBADD012 | 44.90 | 1.8 | 1.98 | 0.55 | Down-dip extension |
| – Including | 45.9 | 0.3 | 4.04 | 0.79 | Bonanza grade |
| CBADD011 | 107.0 | 0.4 | 2.63 | 0.64 | Depth potential |
The CBADD013 intersection is particularly significant as it demonstrates continuity with previous high-grade zones whilst revealing that historical RC drilling may have missed key mineralised areas. Chairman James Chirnside emphasised that diamond core drilling provides superior structural understanding compared to RC methods, allowing for better geological interpretation.
These Dart Mining gold drilling results show the broad gold zones which were intersected at a shallow level and up-dip of previously reported intersections. Cross-sectional analysis indicates that CBADD013 intersected the target zone up-dip of previous drilling, suggesting that historical programmes may have missed optimal sampling intervals.
In addition, the results demonstrate the systematic approach is delivering consistent high-grade intercepts across multiple drill holes, validating the company's geological model for the deposit.
"The broad gold zones identified appear to have been previously overlooked, or less understood, are starting to become an important economic factor at the Banshee prospect… diamond core drilling has again highlighted the advantage of this drilling method over RC, in certain circumstances." – James Chirnside, Chairman
Antimony (Sb) is classified as a critical mineral by multiple governments due to its essential role in flame retardants, batteries, and defence applications. When combined with gold in the same geological system, it creates a unique value proposition for investors.
At Coonambula, previous drilling has intersected remarkable antimony grades including 32.20% Sb and 29.60% Sb, demonstrating the world-class potential of this system. However, these exceptional grades, combined with recent Dart Mining gold drilling results, highlight the project's dual-metal advantage.
Antimony occurs naturally in the earth's crust but in limited quantities globally. Most antimony production comes from China, creating supply chain vulnerabilities for Western nations.
The metal is essential for flame retardant compounds, ammunition production, and advanced battery technologies. When antimony occurs alongside gold in the same geological formation, it creates opportunities for miners to extract both metals simultaneously.
This dual-metal approach potentially improves project economics through diversified revenue streams, making operations more resilient to commodity price fluctuations.
Dart's methodical diamond drilling campaign has now covered 3,072.9m of logged core with assay results received for all 2025 drilling. The company's approach differs significantly from historical exploration activities at the site.
The systematic approach has enabled Dart to identify zones that appear to have been previously missed by historical RC drilling programmes. For instance, the Dart Mining gold drilling results from CBADD013 particularly demonstrate this advantage, with broad gold mineralisation intersected at shallow depths.
This methodical approach is building a comprehensive understanding of the deposit's geometry and controls on mineralisation, essential for future resource definition.
Dart is systematically building the foundation for a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate through comprehensive data collection and analysis.
The shallow nature of much of the mineralisation, starting from 21m depth in CBADD013, enhances the potential economics of any future mining operation. This accessibility could significantly reduce potential development costs compared to deeper deposits.
Moreover, the consistent grade and width encountered across multiple holes suggests continuity of mineralisation that supports resource confidence.
The Banshee mine operated intermittently between 1876 and 1983, producing 4 tonnes of antimony from just 20 tonnes of ore, indicating exceptional grades. The nearby Perseverance mine reportedly produced 20kt @ 20g/t Au, demonstrating the district's gold potential.
These historical operations provide important context for understanding the significance of current Dart Mining gold drilling results and their potential to define substantial mineral resources.
Dart Mining's Coonambula project represents a compelling investment opportunity combining strategic and precious metals exposure with systematic exploration excellence.
The completion of the 2025 drilling programme with these exceptional results sets the stage for an exciting 2026 as the company advances toward resource definition. With grades like 14.6 g/t Au and previous antimony intersections of 32.20% Sb, the project demonstrates the rare combination of high-grade precious and critical metals in a single system.
The systematic diamond drilling approach has revealed broad, shallow gold zones that historical exploration appears to have missed, positioning Dart Mining to potentially define a significant dual-metal resource in Queensland's proven New England Fold Belt geology.
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