Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO, OTCQX: LOMLF) has announced a series of high-grade gold intercepts from its ongoing underground infill and grade control drilling at the Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The results, which come from 4,123.8 meters of drilling focused on the Zone 5 area of the deposit, underscore the company’s strategy to enhance near-term mine planning and resource confidence as it ramps up production at its flagship asset.
The latest drilling campaign targeted the UR2 lode, a principal north-south structure currently being mined at Tuvatu. Drilling was conducted from two near-surface underground stations, with most holes extending less than 150 meters and intercepts occurring within 50 meters of existing underground workings. Out of 32 holes, 29 intersected high-grade mineralization, with standout results including:
- 236.00 grams per tonne (g/t) gold over 0.4 meters
- 101.58 g/t over 0.5 meters (within a broader interval of 25.89 g/t over 3.0 meters)
- 102.35 g/t over 0.3 meters
- 94.23 g/t over 0.3 meters
- 89.63 g/t over 0.4 meters
These bonanza-grade intercepts are characteristic of Tuvatu, a deposit known for its narrow vein, high-grade alkaline gold mineralization. Importantly, the proximity of these new intercepts to current mine workings increases the likelihood that they will be incorporated into the mine plan within the next six to twelve months.
Zone 5 is a key area at Tuvatu, encompassing several steeply dipping lodes that converge at depth to form Zone 500, the highest-grade part of the deposit. The current drilling program, conducted on 10-meter centers, is designed to provide detailed geological and grade data to support short-term mine development. The UR2 lode, which extends for about 600 meters and dips steeply to the east, is being developed at the 1100 and 1102 levels, as well as the 1134 level of the mine.
Drilling from the 1090 and 1135 stations targeted sections of the UR2 lode both above and below these development levels. One hole was drilled deeper, approximately 80 meters below the 1102 level, and also returned several high-grade intercepts. The company reports that most of the high-grade intervals from this campaign are expected to be included in the mine plan in the coming year.
Lion One Metals maintains strict quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) protocols. The company operates its own accredited geochemical assay laboratory at Tuvatu, adhering to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards. Drill core samples are logged, split, and assayed on site, with high-grade samples re-analyzed using gravimetric methods for greater accuracy. In addition, 5% of samples above 0.5 g/t gold are sent to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assays.
Since commencing operations in late 2023, Lion One has positioned itself as a new entrant in the high-grade gold producer segment. The Tuvatu project includes an underground mine, pilot plant, and assay lab, all located within the broader Navilawa Caldera-a region with multiple mineralized zones and significant exploration upside.
Recent drilling results reinforce Tuvatu’s reputation for delivering exceptionally high grades, with previous intercepts from Zone 5 including 2,749.86 g/t over 0.3 meters and 1,986.23 g/t over 0.6 meters. The deposit remains open at depth, with the deepest high-grade intersections occurring below 1,000 meters, suggesting ongoing potential for resource expansion.
With a robust pipeline of high-grade intercepts near existing mine infrastructure, Lion One Metals is positioned to enhance both its short-term production profile and long-term resource base at Tuvatu.Â
