When Wildcat Resources acquired the Tabba Tabba Lithium-Tantalum Project in 2023, it was a calculated risk driven by the keen instincts of Geology Manager Torrin Rowe and his team.

Strategically positioned just 80 km from Port Hedland’s booming lithium hub, Tabba Tabba was a bold gamble driven by a gut feeling that this overlooked asset held significant untapped potential.

As it turns out, their instincts were spot on. Early exploration confirmed the site’s viability, marking Tabba Tabba as a winner. “We knew from the start this project was a hidden gem that had flown under the radar,” Torrin shares, reflecting on early discovery.

By mid-2023, Wildcat’s market capitalisation surged from a modest $17 million to over $1 billion, thrusting the company into the spotlight.

Facing Challenges of Rapid Scale-Up

Success often comes with its own set of challenges. As Wildcat transitioned from a nimble junior explorer to a major player in the industry, rapidly scaling operations became paramount. What started as a small team—just the board and a single full-time employee—quickly expanded to meet the growing demand for drilling activities.

“We had to ramp up quickly,” Torrin recalls, acknowledging the complexities of this growth. “It was a whirlwind of hiring contractors and managing a fast-moving operation, all while staying cautious about costs.”

The ambitious scope of their new drilling program highlighted a pressing issue: traditional management methods were no longer sufficient. Wildcat needed a software platform that could provide real-time oversight on spending, safety, and operational efficiency—without overburdening their lean team. With an eye on efficiency and scalability, they turned to technology that could keep up with their ambitions.

Finding the Right Fit: Enter CorePlan

Wildcat first discovered CorePlan during a previous drilling program in New South Wales, where they experienced the platform's streamlined approach to drill management.

“It struck me as more interactive yet simpler than other systems I’d used,” Torrin recalls, impressed by its user-friendly interface and functionality.

With their major Tabba Tabba drilling program on the horizon, Wildcat proactively reached out to CorePlan, eager to implement a system that could scale alongside their growth ambitions.

The demo proved to be a revelation for Torrin, who quickly recognised how CorePlan could address their key operational challenges. “CorePlan ticked all the boxes: scalability, ease of use, and rapid implementation,” he affirms.

Having seen the benefits of CorePlan in their previous project, Wildcat was confident that the platform could support their larger, more complex drilling program at Tabba Tabba. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in their journey—one defined by streamlined processes and greater operational transparency.

While Others See Tech as a Cost, Wildcat Sees it as a Value Driver

Wildcat Resources recognised the value of technology as a driver of efficiency, scalability, and profitability. Rather than viewing it as a cost burden, they embraced innovation and invested in CorePlan to future-proof their operations. This forward-thinking approach has been key to their rapid growth.

Jeff Elliott, Chairman of Wildcat Resources, reflects on this mindset:

“I’m incredibly proud of our team for embracing innovation at a time when many others might have hesitated. Technology is an investment in our future. The way Torrin and the team have pushed for streamlined processes and digital solutions isn’t something every junior explorer would consider, but it’s exactly what we needed to stay ahead.

“As Chairman of CorePlan, I was happy to introduce them to the platform, but ultimately, it was the team's assessment of its capabilities that led to their decision to use it. The results speak for themselves.”

Smoother Operations with Digital Plod Approvals

Before adopting CorePlan, Wildcat’s plod approval process was a cumbersome, manual, paper-based system fraught with delays, errors, and invoicing disputes—issues exacerbated when multiple rigs operated simultaneously. These inefficiencies threatened both productivity and profitability.

With CorePlan, Wildcat transitioned to a fully digitised plod approval process. Drillers now input plods directly into the CorePlan app, allowing supervisors to review them in real time.

This transformation eliminated reliance on paper forms and drastically reduced approval times. "CorePlan has completely streamlined our plod process," Torrin says. “With real-time updates, everyone—our team and contractors—sees costs transparently, which improves planning and communication.”

As Wildcat embraced digital solutions, the real shift was in how the entire drilling operation came together in one integrated platform—helping them stay ahead of potential issues and manage their growing portfolio with confidence.

Real-Time Field Management

Managing field activities such as drilling and earthworks had previously been a fragmented effort for Wildcat, involving a mix of spreadsheets, Microsoft Project, and QField. This disjointed approach made obtaining a comprehensive overview of operations and progress challenging.

CorePlan addressed these challenges head-on. Now, Wildcat’s entire drill lifecycle is managed within one integrated platform—from planning and approvals to completion.

CorePlan’s custom workflows keep tasks on track, while field teams can update project statuses directly from the site. This gives management real-time insights into operations. They can track budgets, monitor performance, and generate detailed reports, keeping the board well-informed.

“We needed clear, real-time visibility to manage this expansion effectively,” Torrin shares. “CorePlan gives us that, from budgeting to performance monitoring.” The improved oversight has empowered the Wildcat team to make proactive adjustments, ensuring that projects remain on target.

With the foundation laid for digital plod approvals and real-time field management, Wildcat now had the ability to oversee the entirety of their operations from a single platform—turning data into actionable insights and setting the stage for even greater growth.

Building a Future-Proof Operation

CorePlan has been pivotal in Wildcat's growth strategy, empowering them to manage rapid expansion while maintaining operational efficiency. 

"CorePlan has been instrumental in managing our growth sustainably while keeping us on budget," says Torrin.

By providing readily accessible data and insights, CorePlan ensures Wildcat remains agile and responsive as they continue to expand their exploration efforts.

With a strong foundation built on data-driven decision-making, Wildcat Resources is well-positioned for continued success in the lithium sector.