Asian Battery Metals expands mineralisation at Yambat with new drill results

Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX:AZ9) has reported further progress from its Phase 3 drilling program at the Oval copper-nickel discovery, part of the Yambat Project in Mongolia. The company has intercepted additional massive sulphide mineralisation, continuing to expand its footprint in the highly prospective region.

Drill holes OVD036 and OVD040, alongside follow-up work on the North Oval and Oval zones, have confirmed significant potential for further development. In total, 16 diamond drillholes have been completed in 2025, totalling 2,938.9 metres across the Oval copper-nickel discovery.

Plan map of completed drillholes of Phase 3 drilling on Reduced to Pole (RTP) Magnetic map

“The latest drill results suggest a potential of 800-metre-long zone of shallow mineralisation from North Oval through to Oval, with more massive sulphides intercepted in OVD036 and OVD040,” said AZ9 Managing director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren. “As our exploration continues, we have expanded our mineralisation footprint, identified a depth extension, and added new targets at the project.”

Key drilling results

The Phase 3 drilling program has made significant strides since its March commencement. The latest drill results add further evidence of the expanding mineralisation at both the North Oval and Oval zones:

1. OVD036: This drill hole intersected 2.0 metres of massive sulphide at a depth of 113.3 metres, extending the mineralisation at North Oval by 130 metres. The mineralisation observed is rich in pyrrhotite and pentlandite, with less chalcopyrite. This suggests a potential link with previously identified mineralisation from OVD025, though further drilling is needed to confirm continuity.
2. OVD038 and OVD039: These holes were designed to test the connection between North Oval and Oval, and the results confirm the presence of a shallow gabbroic intrusion linking the two zones. This link is critical for the company's ongoing exploration, as it opens up new areas for targeting higher-grade mineralisation.
3. OVD040: Located 22 metres north of previous intercepts, OVD040 encountered 6.9 metres of massive sulphide from 95.5 metres down the hole. The mineralisation was characterized by a mix of high-grade, net-textured, and heavily disseminated sulphides, confirming strong continuity along the mineralized trend. This intersection aligns well with prior geophysical models and is expected to lead to further drill targets.

OVD036 cross-section of mineralised portion on Inverted Magnetics Background, looking to NE

Upcoming plans and exploration targets

Asian Battery Metals is looking ahead to the next phase of drilling, with assays from the latest drilling campaign expected this month. The company is also preparing for a deep-penetrating ground electromagnetic (Samson EM) survey to refine and identify new drilling targets. This survey is set to begin later this month, while the drilling program will take a short pause before focusing on the newly defined areas.

The company’s low-cost drilling operations in Mongolia allow it to maintain a strong balance sheet, enabling continued exploration efforts without significant financial strain.

Drilling is expected to recommence once results from the Samson EM survey are received, which will help define new targets for follow-up drilling.

A promising outlook for Yambat Project

AZ9 is rapidly advancing its Yambat Project, positioning itself as a key player in the global battery metals space.

The expansion of the mineralisation footprint and the identification of new targets demonstrate the strong potential for further discoveries. With continued exploration and the upcoming survey results, the company is well-placed to unlock further value from this promising region.