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Dart Mining NL (ASX:DTM) has released exceptional surface sampling results from its Coonambula Antimony-Gold Project in Central Queensland, marking a significant expansion of the prospective gold zone beyond the original Banshee Mine area. The systematic sampling programme has revealed 5m @ 2.55g/t gold + 1.35% antimony in trench sampling, whilst exploration of previously unsampled areas has returned standout results of 10.45g/t gold at McKonkeys North and 7.26g/t gold at Lady Margaret prospects.
This represents a major step forward for Dart Mining's farm-in joint venture with Great Divide Mining (ASX:GDM), demonstrating that the Coonambula goldfield holds significant potential across a much broader area than initially anticipated. With diamond drilling assays from the company's 2025 drilling programme expected in February 2026, this latest gold discovery at Dart Mining is positioning the company for what could be a substantial resource definition at one of Queensland's most promising antimony-gold projects.
The report outlined the most significant results from Trench T10, located immediately south of the historical Banshee Mine, where systematic 1-metre channel sampling revealed a continuous high-grade zone. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the potential for bulk ore zones extending from surface, providing excellent economics for future development.
Key Trench T10 Results:
"Results from samples that lie perpendicular to the Banshee Mine highlight another significant gold zone. It speaks to the potential bulk ore zone, from surface, that will be reviewed as we receive further drill hole assays in coming weeks." – James Chirnside, Managing Director
The trench sampling is particularly important as it demonstrates continuity of mineralisation away from the historical mine workings. In addition, it suggests the potential for a much larger ore body than previously understood at this emerging gold discovery at Dart Mining.
According to the report, the McKonkeys North historical workings, located 2.3km northwest of the Banshee mine, returned exceptional grades. However, what makes this discovery particularly significant is the consistent structural control across multiple quartz veins.
The report highlighted that Lady Margaret, positioned 1.7km northwest of Banshee, delivered impressive results. Moreover, its location along the potential strike extension of the Banshee structure suggests significant exploration upside.
Surface sampling westward from the Banshee pit returned multiple high-grade intercepts. Consequently, these results demonstrate the district-scale potential of the mineralised system.
| Prospect | Distance from Banshee | Best Gold Result | Best Silver Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trench T10 | Adjacent | 8.92g/t Au | 1.3g/t Ag |
| Lady Margaret | 1.7km NW | 7.26g/t Au | 3.3g/t Ag |
| McKonkeys North | 2.3km NW | 10.45g/t Au | 19.4g/t Ag |
Antimony (Sb) is a critical strategic metal essential for flame retardants, battery technology, and military applications. Currently, China controls over 90% of global antimony supply, making new Western sources strategically valuable.
The metal trades at approximately $15,000-20,000 per tonne, making high-grade antimony deposits extremely valuable. At Coonambula, antimony occurs primarily as stibnite (Sb2S3), often associated with gold mineralisation in quartz veins.
The project's dual antimony-gold nature provides multiple revenue streams and reduces commodity risk. Historical mining at Banshee produced direct-shipping ore containing 4 tonnes of antimony from 20 tonnes of ore – indicating grades of approximately 20% antimony.
The combination of high-grade gold and strategic antimony positioning creates a unique value proposition. Furthermore, current global supply chain concerns and Western government initiatives to secure critical mineral supplies enhance this positioning.
This dual-commodity approach strengthens the investment case for the gold discovery at Dart Mining. In particular, it provides exposure to both precious metals upside and strategic minerals demand.
The report referenced Dart Mining's initial drilling programme, which has already delivered outstanding results that support the surface sampling findings. However, these drilling results demonstrate consistent high-grade mineralisation at depth.
CBADD001 Highlights:
CBADD002 Highlights:
Previous exploration across the broader project has consistently returned exceptional grades. Moreover, these results span multiple decades, demonstrating the enduring potential of the district.
The Coonambula Project sits in an exceptional location within Queensland's proven mineral belt. In addition, its proximity to established mining operations provides significant infrastructure advantages.
The project lies within the New England Fold Belt geology, which hosts high-grade quartz veins at similar deposits including Hillgrove and Wild Cattle Creek in NSW. This geological setting is renowned for intrusion-related gold systems with exceptional grades.
February 2026: Complete diamond drilling assay results from 2025 programme expected. Furthermore, multiple drill holes completed around Banshee area will guide resource estimation and expansion drilling.
Results will provide crucial data for resource estimation and guide future drilling programmes across the broader district.
Q1-Q2 2026:
Strategic Expansion:
Dart Mining has secured access to one of Queensland's most prospective antimony-gold districts through its farm-in agreement with Great Divide Mining. The combination of high-grade gold, strategic antimony, and district-scale potential creates a compelling investment thesis.
However, what sets this project apart is the systematic approach to exploration and the exceptional grade continuity demonstrated across multiple prospects.
The consistently high grades across multiple prospects demonstrate genuine world-class potential. Furthermore, these grades are supported by systematic sampling and drilling programmes.
Under Managing Director James Chirnside's leadership, Dart Mining has demonstrated a systematic exploration approach. In addition, the company has maintained clear communication with shareholders throughout the exploration process.
The current focus on critical minerals and supply chain security positions antimony as a strategic metal of increasing importance. Combined with high-grade gold mineralisation, Coonambula offers exposure to both precious metals upside and strategic minerals demand.
This gold discovery at Dart Mining represents a significant development in the company's exploration portfolio. The combination of high-grade gold (up to 10.45g/t), strategic antimony content (up to 65%), and systematic exploration approach positions this as one of Australia's most compelling critical minerals plays.
"Investment Takeaway: Dart Mining has established itself as a major player in Queensland's antimony-gold sector, with exceptional grades confirmed across multiple prospects spanning a 5km trend. With complete drilling assays expected in February 2026 and clear pathway to resource definition, this gold discovery at Dart Mining warrants close investor attention."
Key Tracking Points:
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