Mamba Exploration Limited’s (ASX:M24) survey modelling has identified a number of targets, including a late-stage intrusive feature that is interpreted to be a bedrock REE target at the at the Hyden REE Project in Western Australia.
The detailed gravity survey was conducted in January 2023 over the priority target area at Hyden.
“It is pleasing to see that the initial gravity survey over the priority target area at the Hyden project has identified several targets,” Managing Director, Mike Dunbar, said.
“The 3D inversion modelling has identified an area which appears to be a late-stage intrusion which crosscuts the greenstone belt that runs north-south through the eastern portion of the target area. It is encouraging that historical data, while limited, has identified that parts of the intrusion contain significant phosphates and REO’s, supporting our view that we have identified a bedrock REE target here at Hyden.”
Survey Results
The ground gravity survey included 419 stations on eight east west lines and two north south lines over the main area of interest. A 3D inversion model was created from the data.
The modelling highlighted a greenstone belt with a series of granite bodies to the east and west of the main target area. This is consistent with the geological mapping and the regional aerial magnetic interpretation of the area. The granite / greenstone contacts are visible in the magnetics and gravity data sets.
Modelling of the main area of interest shows significant magnetic alteration and disruption along with a modelled relative density low, which is not consistent with the granite signature to the east and west. The gravity anomaly appears to post-date a series of late-stage Proterozoic dykes that are visible in the magnetic data. This suggest that the gravity anomaly is a late-stage intrusive body, which is interpreted to represent a bedrock REE target.
This interpretation is also strengthened by historical data that the company has identified and interpreted over the target. This historical data includes 35 shallow drill holes that were drilled in the area. Twelve of these holes reported phosphorus assay results including up to 9400ppm P, which when converted to an oxide (P2O5) equates to 2.15%.
Other drill holes reported up to 2.06%, 1.88% and 1.56% P2O5 and eight holes reported rare earth oxide results up to 1,295ppm 2REO + Y2O3.
The company intends to undertake an Air Core drilling programme over the gravity anomaly to better define the phosphorus anomaly and to better understand the significance of the historical results.
As part of the validation of the gravity anomaly, the company undertook a field visit, which identified two outcrops within the anomaly. The portable XRF analysis of the outcrops identified anomalous phosphates, Yttrium and the two rare earth elements (Ce and La) which can be determined using the pXRF analyser used, Samples have been submitted for wet chemical analysis.
As a result of the gravity modelling and historical data review, a programme of work (PoW) was submitted to the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS). The PoW has now been approved. While the exact drill programme is still being developed, it is expected to include at least 50 Air Core holes for approximately 2,500m of drilling. The programme will be refined as drilling is undertaken by the use of the pXRF on each sample as the drilling progresses.
Additionally, the five exploration licences applied for when the company entered into the option agreement have now been granted for an initial five-year term. This increases the area covered by the Hyden project by more than 750sq. km, to over 1,316sq. km.
A comprehensive historical data collection process is underway for all exploration undertaken in the area.
For further information please visit: https://mambaexploration.com.au/
