WA1 Resources (ASX:WA1) said its updated mineral resource estimate (MRE) for its Luni niobium project in Western Australia has expanded the indicated component by 20 million tonnes to 93 million tonnes at 1.32% niobium pentoxide, with 57% of total contained niobium now classified as indicated, according to a Wednesday Australian bourse filing.

The company said the indicated component includes an enhanced high-grade subset of 35 million tonnes at 2.57% niobium pentoxide at a 1% cut-off grade, with the updated MRE feeding into ongoing development studies targeting declaration of an ore reserve.

The total Luni MRE of indicated and inferred resources remains unchanged at 220 million tonnes at 1% niobium pentoxide, including an improved high-grade subset of 56 million tonnes at 2.3% niobium pentoxide, the filing added.

Current drilling is targeting the definition of a measured component in the eastern zone of Luni later in the year, with further assay results expected shortly, it added.