iTech Minerals (ASX: ITM) has reported thick gold and antimony intersections from recent drilling at its Reynolds Range project, reinforcing the Northern Territory’s reputation as a supportive jurisdiction for gold development.
Drilling at the Sabre and Falchion prospects intersected multiple mineralised zones, including broad gold intervals from surface and discrete, high-grade antimony sections. The program focused on correcting historical drill-hole positioning issues that had previously obscured geological continuity.
At Sabre, drilling returned 26 metres at 1.37 grams-per-tonne gold from surface, along with 31 metres at 2.5 grams-per-tonne gold from 61 metres. Several holes also intersected elevated antimony, including intervals exceeding two percent antimony with associated gold.
Mineralisation is interpreted as a steeply dipping zone up to 30 metres thick, extending beyond 80 metres depth and remaining open.
Falchion Adds Grade Upside
At the nearby Falchion prospect, drilling confirmed gold continuity over more than 80 metres of strike. The strongest result returned 14 metres at 6.31 grams-per-tonne gold, including 6 metres at 10.2 grams-per-tonne gold with 0.93 percent antimony.
Grades appear to improve westward, with the best intercept delivered by the final hole of the program.
Managing Director Mike Schwarz said the results materially improved geological clarity. “The predictability has significantly improved, setting the Company up for further success in follow-up drill programs.”
Northern Territory: Proven Gold Endowment
Reynolds Range sits within the Stafford Gold Trend, part of a broader gold province that includes deposits such as Tanami, one of Australia’s largest gold-producing regions. The Tanami district hosts multi-million-ounce deposits and long-life operations, demonstrating the Territory’s capacity to support large-scale gold development.
Unlike more fragmented jurisdictions, the Northern Territory operates under a single mining regulator and a relatively streamlined approvals framework. Exploration licences are generally granted efficiently, and tenure security is considered strong by Australian standards.
Where the Regulatory Friction Remains
While the Territory is regarded as mining-friendly, several hurdles remain. Heritage clearances and Indigenous Land Use Agreements are mandatory and can extend timelines, particularly in remote regions. Environmental approvals also require detailed baseline studies, especially where groundwater systems are present.
Next Steps at Reynolds Range
iTech plans follow-up drilling at Sabre and Falchion once heritage and government approvals are finalised. Soil sampling will test extensions along strike, while interpretation of a newly completed drone magnetic survey is underway.
The latest results reinforce Reynolds Range as a growing gold-antimony system operating within a jurisdiction that supports development, provided regulatory processes are carefully managed.
