Second Phase Programme Testing For Nickel Sulphides
Auroch Minerals Limited (ASX:AOU) has commenced drilling at its 100%-owned Valdez Prospect, part of the Leinster Nickel Project in Western Australia.
Managing Director Aidan Platel said the 1,000m drill programme is the second phase of exploration at Valdez, targeting a 150m wide fertile ultramafic channel.
Drill-holes will be testing specifically for nickel sulphide mineralisation, while following DHEM surveys will aim to identify any conductive units in the area that potentially represent massive nickel sulphide mineralisation. Drilling is expected to be completed in under two weeks.
The fertile ultramafic channel was identified during the company’s recent air-core (AC) programme completed in July, where significant intersections of anomalous nickel (>0.3% Ni) were present within a high MgO ultramafic unit.
The channel itself overlies a magnetic high and is also coincident with a strong EM conductor defined by a historic surface moving-loop electromagnetic (MLEM) survey.
Mr Platel said all of these characteristics are favourable for hosting significant massive nickel sulphide mineralisation.
“We are pleased to commence the second phase of exploration at the exciting Valdez Prospect,” Mr Platel said.
“The initial phase of AC drilling successfully defined a fertile nickeliferous channel, coincident with the existing mag and EM anomalies – in other words, all of the right characteristics for significant nickel sulphide mineralisation.
“This programme will test the channel target to depths up to 250m downhole and will provide a solid platform for DHEM surveys to define possible conductive units such as massive sulphides along the basal channel at greater depths.
“The programme is expected to take approximately two weeks and we look forward to updating the market with results when they’re received.”
The programme will consist of three to four holes drilled across the 150m strike length of the channel. Drill-holes will range between 150m and 300m depth, with all holes projected to intersect the all- important basal ultramafic – mafic contact. DHEM will then be used to survey for any conductors in the area which will provide well defined targets for follow-up drilling campaigns.
Orlando Drilling Pty Ltd was awarded the drilling contract and have significant experience drilling in the Leinster region. Upon completion of the Valdez RC programme, the drill rig will commence an RC drill programme at the Firefly and Sinclair North Prospectson the recently-acquired tenement E36/895. The company aims to advance each of its targets at the Leinster Nickel Project and continue to develop its pipeline of exciting nickel sulphide opportunities in Western Australia.
