Encounter Resources (ENR) Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum 2026 summary

Strategic milestones and project overview

• Celebrated 20 years as an ASX-listed entity, maintaining a focus on new mineral frontiers in Central Australia.

• Built significant land positions and partnerships with major mining companies to advance copper, niobium, and rare earth projects.

• Two main projects highlighted: Aileron niobium-rare earth discovery and a copper portfolio in Central Australia.

• District-scale ground position in the West Arunta Province, with multiple walk-up drill targets identified by new geophysics data.

• Systematic exploration and development workstreams are progressing in parallel to maximise project value.

Aileron Nb-REE project highlights

• Aileron resource upgraded to 120 million tons at 0.8% niobium, with a high-grade core of 26 million tons at over 1.7%.

• Infill drilling and mining lease application underway to expand and upgrade resource classifications.

• Metallurgical studies confirm conventional flowsheet and recoveries comparable to global producers, with further test work planned.

• Conceptual site layout includes scalable infrastructure, with environmental and geotechnical studies underway.

• MOU signed with Echion and Switch Technologies for niobium-lithium battery development, targeting mining fleet electrification and grid storage.

Exploration and resource development

• First drill hole in West Arunta in 2020 led to multiple niobium-rich carbonatite discoveries.

• Ongoing drill programs: 70,000 m planned (30,000 m completed) and ~50,000 m underway across regional targets.

• Significant rare earths found alongside niobium, especially at the margins of intrusive complexes.

• Positive engagement with traditional owners and ongoing site planning for long-term mining operations.

• Metallurgical and environmental baseline studies are underway.