Massive sulphide discovery in Mongolia: Asian Battery Metals hits pay dirt at Oval Cu-Ni-PGE project

In a development that underscores the increasing importance of base metals for the energy transition, Asian Battery Metals (ASX:AZ9) has reported a notable sulphide intersection at its Oval Copper-Nickel-PGE project in Mongolia.

The company has been advancing exploration on its Yambat project, and the latest results from drill hole OVD026 could mark a turning point.

Key Highlights:

• Drill hole OVD026 intercepted 19.3 metres of mineralisation, including:
  • 1.9 metres of massive sulphide from 105 metres.
  • 2.4 metres of semi-massive sulphide from 102.6 metres.
• This is 100 metres northwest of a previous significant find: 8.8 metres of massive sulphides in OVD021.
• Mineral content includes 3% chalcopyrite (Cpy), 2% pentlandite (Pn), and 27% pyrrhotite (Po), based on visual estimates.

While assays are pending, the geological context of the findings is generating excitement.

The Oval gabbroic intrusion, the host for this mineralisation, demonstrates potential for further sulphide expansion.

The Oval discovery was made by targeting a Down-Hole Electromagnetic (DHEM) conductor plate previously discounted due to low conductivity.

This revelation not only challenges earlier geological assumptions but also exemplifies the value of re-evaluating “discarded” targets.

Dr Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren, Managing Director of Asian Battery Metals, said: “The massive sulphide intersection in OVD026 underscores the value of innovative exploration techniques and a willingness to revisit overlooked geological signals.”

The company’s use of advanced geophysical methods, guided by Southern Geoscience Consultants, enabled the identification of this critical zone.

Asian Battery Metals is positioning itself as a key player in the energy transition.

With growing demand for metals like nickel and copper in battery technologies, these discoveries resonate with broader market trends.

The Oval project’s proximity to major transcrustal faults further enhances its potential as a world-class deposit.

The next steps involve completing assays, expected in 5-6 weeks, to quantify the economic significance of the mineralisation.

This will guide subsequent drilling phases aimed at delineating the resource.

While visual estimates are promising, the company has emphasised that they are no substitute for laboratory analysis.

Investors are advised to await detailed assay results for a clearer picture of the deposit’s commercial potential.

The OVD026 intersection highlights the rewards of persistence and technical innovation in exploration.

With its strategic focus on critical minerals, Asian Battery Metals is well-placed to capitalise on the surging demand for resources essential to global decarbonisation.

If assay results meet expectations, Oval could emerge as a cornerstone asset for the company, reaffirming Mongolia’s role as a resource-rich frontier for the clean energy revolution.