Trigg Minerals (ASX: TMG) has uncovered new high-priority targets at its recently acquired Taylors Arm Antimony Project, bolstering the company's strategic foothold in the highly sought-after antimony market. Following a high-resolution satellite imagery analysis, several new targets have been identified, complementing the 71 historically high-grade antimony workings already on the property.
Located in northern New South Wales, the Taylors Arm Project is primed for maiden exploration, with the aim of confirming the presence of ultra-high-grade stibnite (antimony) mineralisation in previously underexplored areas. Trigg’s exploration is taking place at an opportune moment, as China, the dominant supplier of antimony, has imposed export restrictions, intensifying global demand for the critical metal.
A Strategic Antimony Play
Antimony, a key element in the production of flame retardants and increasingly used in renewable energy technologies, has become a focal point for resource investors. Trigg’s Taylors Arm project is shaping up to be a significant opportunity in this space. Early-stage exploration has already yielded promising signs, with some historical mines such as Swallows Nest and Testers Mine previously producing incredibly high-grade antimony, up to a staggering 63% Sb at the latter.
Speaking of the potential, Trigg noted that the recently completed multispectral analysis conducted by Dirt Exploration has highlighted new targets for antimony mineralisation. These targets include both historical workings and uncharted areas, providing the company with a broad range of prospects to investigate.
Satellite Imagery Uncovers Hidden Potential
The use of cutting-edge satellite technology is a game-changer for Trigg’s exploration efforts. The company employed visible and near-infrared (VNIR), shortwave infrared (SWIR), and PULSAR synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imagery to detect anomalies across the project area. Remote-sensing specialist Dr Neil Pendock's analysis revealed that several methane-rich hydrothermal systems, which are closely linked to antimony mineralisation, run through the region. This technology allows Trigg to identify mineral targets even beneath vegetation cover, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the project’s potential.
These findings have bolstered confidence in the project's prospectivity, particularly in the northern partition of the tenement, where historical workings have already shown significant promise.
High-Grade Legacy Workings
In addition to the new targets identified by the satellite imagery, Trigg’s due diligence has highlighted key historical workings that could provide valuable exploration leads. Among these are:
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Swallows Nest Mine: Produced antimony between 1940-1955 at grades as high as 40%, and when reopened in 1972, the mine delivered ore with 30% Sb content. Recent rock samples further confirm high-grade potential, returning assays of 29.8% and 31.4% Sb.
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Testers Mine: Known for Australia’s highest recorded antimony grade, with massive stibnite veins grading up to 63% Sb. This mine is of particular interest as a potential flagship site for Trigg.
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Little Purgatory Mine: Stockpile samples from this site have assayed up to 27.7% Sb.
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Real McKay Mine: This site has revealed stibnite-bearing fault breccia with significant antimony mineralisation, including assay results of 15.2% and 52.7% Sb.
The combination of these historical data points with modern satellite imagery gives Trigg a formidable foundation to prioritise exploration targets and maximise the project's upside.
Well-Funded and Ready to Explore
Trigg has emphasised that it remains well-funded to execute its maiden exploration program. The company’s integrated approach—combining legacy exploration data with modern remote sensing techniques—allows it to systematically prioritise targets while minimising environmental and community impact.
With the exploration now in full swing, Trigg’s next steps will include geological reconnaissance and geophysical surveys to refine these high-priority targets. This measured approach not only increases the likelihood of exploration success but also ensures Trigg remains agile in capitalising on what could become a key asset in its portfolio.
Why Antimony Matters
The timing of this project could not be better. Antimony is a critical mineral in a variety of applications, ranging from flame retardants to renewable energy storage technologies like lithium-ion batteries. It’s also used in semiconductors and has strategic military applications. With China tightening its grip on global antimony supplies, countries are increasingly looking to secure local sources, and Trigg’s Taylors Arm Project is well-positioned to meet this growing demand.
The project also aligns with Australia’s broader goal of becoming a key supplier of critical minerals, especially those necessary for renewable energy and technological advancements.
A Promising Outlook
Trigg’s Taylors Arm Antimony Project is shaping up as a potentially significant contributor to the global supply of this essential mineral. The combination of high-grade historical workings, new satellite-identified targets, and the increasing global demand for antimony sets the stage for what could be a transformative period for Trigg Minerals.
With exploration now underway and the company flush with funds, investors will be keenly watching Trigg’s progress as it pushes ahead with its ambitious exploration campaign. If the early signs are anything to go by, Trigg could soon be a key player in the antimony space, offering a much-needed alternative to China’s dominance in the market.
