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PERTH - Alien Metals Ltd (AIM:UFO), a minerals exploration and development company, has initiated diamond drilling at the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, as announced on May 30, 2025. The project is operated by West Coast Silver Limited (ASX:WCE), Alien’s joint venture partner, with Alien holding a 30% free-carried interest until a mining decision is made.
The commencement of drilling marks a significant step in the exploration of Elizabeth Hill, recognized as one of Australia’s highest-grade silver projects. The inaugural diamond drilling campaign spans approximately 1,500 meters and aims to explore the extensions of the known high-grade silver mineralization and the structural controls influencing the deposit.
The project team has completed mobilization, and the first drill hole has been initiated. Results from the drilling will be processed using portable XRF analyses and detailed geological logging at the Karratha site office. Subsequently, samples will be sent to a Perth laboratory for comprehensive chemical analysis. The real-time geological data obtained is expected to streamline forward drill planning, optimizing the efficiency and precision of the drilling program.
Technical Director Robert Mosig expressed optimism about the drilling’s potential impact, stating, "We are pleased to see the commencement of drilling at Elizabeth Hill by our joint venture partner. This marks a major milestone for the Project and for Alien, with the potential to significantly advance our understanding of this historically high-grade silver deposit."
Elizabeth Hill has a notable production history, with 1.2 million ounces of silver produced from approximately 16,830 tonnes of ore, reflecting a head grade of 2,194 grams per tonne. The previous mining operation ceased in 2000 due to low silver prices and a dispute between former joint venture parties. The original mining process involved low-cost gravity separation, capitalizing on the high-grade and sizable silver nuggets. Despite its past productivity, the site still holds considerable untapped potential due to limited and outdated exploration techniques.
The Elizabeth Hill Silver Project is situated in a tier-1 mining jurisdiction, with the mining lease located near the Radio Hill processing facilities. Alien Metals’ broader portfolio includes the Hancock iron ore project and interests in other iron ore exploration projects in the Pilbara, as well as ownership of one of Australia’s largest PGM deposits at Munni Munni.
This news is based on a press release statement and aims to provide investors with an understanding of the ongoing activities and potential of the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project.
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