Lightning Minerals Eyes Major Tungsten Potential at Warby
Why It Matters
A domestic high‑grade tungsten source would reduce reliance on China, supporting defence and clean‑tech supply chains while offering Lightning Minerals a high‑value growth catalyst.
Key Takeaways
- •Assays confirm high‑grade tungsten at Warby, >50,000 ppm.
- •China controls 83% of tungsten; Australian supply could diversify.
- •Lightning Minerals plans geochemical mapping and drilling through 2027.
- •Project complements EQ Resources' Mount Carbine operation nearby.
- •Tungsten price surged 900% YoY, boosting shareholder upside.
Summary
Lightning Minerals (ASX:L1M) disclosed assay results from its Warby project that confirm high‑grade tungsten mineralisation, with some samples exceeding 50,000 parts per million (ppm). The announcement comes as the company seeks to add a critical‑metal asset to its primarily gold‑focused portfolio.
The results are notable because China currently supplies more than 83 % of global tungsten, and recent price action has seen the metal jump roughly 900 % year‑over‑year. With defence, aerospace and emerging electrification applications driving demand, a domestic Australian source could alleviate supply risk.
CEO Troy Bryce highlighted the proximity of Warby to EQ Resources’ Mount Carbine mine, noting the geological similarity and the potential for future collaboration. He also stressed that the high‑grade assays provide the data needed to move into a systematic drilling programme.
If the follow‑up geochemical mapping and drilling planned through 2027 confirm a larger vein system, Lightning could deliver a rare Australian tungsten project, diversify the nation’s critical‑minerals base and create significant upside for shareholders despite the company’s modest market cap.
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