WA1 Resources Delivers High-Grade Results in Early Mining Focus Zone at Luni

WA1 Resources (ASX: WA1) has returned another series of high-grade intersections from infill drilling in the eastern zone of its wholly owned Luni niobium project in Western Australia.

The results include a standout 21.4-metre intersection grading 7.4% niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) from 91.3m, while 11 other highlighted intervals range from 7.3m to 38m at grades between 2.4% and 6.1% Nb2O5.

WA1 is using the eastern focus area to increase geological confidence in mineralisation that could underpin the early years of a potential mining operation, with the results set to inform a planned mineral resource estimate (MRE) update later in 2026.

The company’s pre-feasibility study (PFS) remains on track for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, while field data collection supporting the study has been completed.

Resource Definition Tightened

WA1 reported assay results from 18 diamond drill holes, with drilling generally completed on a staggered 50m by 50m grid within the eastern Indicated MRE zone.

The program has continued to demonstrate continuity across the high-grade mineralisation while providing further definition of the deposit’s geometry, thickness, mineralogical characteristics, and grade distribution.

Several broad intersections exceeded 20m at grades above 2% Nb2O5, including 25.4m at 3.3% Nb2O5 and 24.2m at 3.1% Nb2O5, adding definition across the targeted zone.

The oxide mineralisation encountered to date is generally sub-horizontal and associated with heavily and moderately weathered carbonatite, meaning most vertical intersections are interpreted to be at or close to true thickness, although the orientation and true thickness of transitional and primary mineralisation remain poorly constrained.

Measured Resource Target

The drilling is designed to support potential conversion of a substantial portion of the eastern high-grade zone into the Measured resource confidence category, strengthening the geological basis for study work beyond the PFS.

“This work is targeted to provide the highest level of geological confidence in the mineralisation expected to underpin the early years of any potential mining operation,” managing director Paul Savich said.

WA1 has completed 90,000m of drilling at Luni since discovery and continues diamond drilling for resource definition and the collection of samples for metallurgical test work.

Work to date has concentrated on mineralisation within the weathered zone of the Luni carbonatite, while WA1 considers the deeper unweathered zone to have significant primary mineralisation potential that it plans to test in future drilling programs.

Studies and Access Progress

Current site activities span permitting, approvals and development studies, with metallurgical, engineering and mine design work continuing as Luni moves towards more advanced development assessment.

The new intersections coincide with the eastern focus area where recent beneficiation test work returned results WA1 considers excellent, linking the resource definition campaign with technical work intended to shape potential early mining.

WA1 has commissioned the Luni airstrip and commenced regular direct flights to site, improving the mobilisation of personnel and supporting exploration and pre-development activity.

“Access to Luni has also improved significantly following the commencement of direct flights earlier this month, enhancing logistics and supporting efficient project execution,” Mr Savich said.

Construction of the airstrip included work experience programs for Traditional Owners, with insights from those programs intended to support future collaborative initiatives.