A comprehensive drilling campaign is confirming the potential of WA1 Resources’ Luni niobium project in the West Arunta region of Western Australia.
With more than 80,000 metres now drilled since discovery, and a combination of diamond, air core and mud rotary methods in use, the company is building a detailed picture of the resource available. It is expecting to complete a maiden resource estimate in 2026.
Key pre-development site works have also commenced, with the company looking to advance the project on an accelerated timeline. These include site clearing works and the first stages of an airstrip construction.
The company believes the latest assay results provide confidence in the continuity of high-grade zones of niobium mineralisation. Among the sample grades extracted was one showing 11.7m at 6 per cent niobium oxide from 38m. Another revealed 13.1m at 4.1 per cent niobium oxide from 54m.
WA1 managing director Paul Savich said the drilling had been concentrated within the eastern indicated portion of Luni.
“We anticipate this area will be an important component within the early years of any potential future development,” he said.
“Our team continues to work hard to execute this year’s planned field activities with three drill rigs in operation and a suite of other activities underway.”
Niobium is rated as a critical mineral in Australia, and is attracting increased demand from advanced manufacturing interests. Its primary use is as an alloying element, adding strength to steel and improving efficiency in vehicles and infrastructure.
It is on the US critical minerals list and has been included in the US Department of the Interior’s 2025 draft list of critical minerals.
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