Viridis Mining and Minerals Limited (ASX: VMM) has identified thick zones of kaolin in a maiden drilling programme at the Poochera Project located on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
The Poochera Project comprises one 100% owned exploration licence (EL6733), which covers an area of 329 sq. km in the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia.
Viridis has completed a 55-hole drill programme for a total of 1686m, with a final average hole depth of 30.6m. After the observation that kaolin was present in the first drillholes, the drilling programme adjusted to a 400 metre spaced grid to confirm and determine the extent of the kaolin mineralisation. Drillhole locations were adjusted to minimise disturbance to cropping and any native vegetation.
All the recovered entire one metre samples that appear to contain kaolin will be transported to a secure environment in Adelaide. Then systematic push tube sampling will produce composite samples to be sent to Bureau Veritas (Adelaide) and other specialised laboratories. Viridis plans to systematically assay the selected push tube samples for the presence of halloysite, which has a nanostructure that could allow its application as an efficient catalyst in the petrochemicals industry, amongst other high value applications.
Halloysite cannot be identified by standard XRD from kaolin alone and requires additional advanced techniques.
All one metre drill samples from the current drilling are being systemically analysed on-site by pXRF. Any samples which show anomalous REE concentrations will be sent to a laboratory for further comprehensive analyses.
All 55 drillholes were progressively sealed and completely rehabilitated to their original condition during the program. Viridis is pleased to report there were no environmental or safety issues during the program wishes to thank the landholders for their support and assistance.
Poochera Stage 2 Drilling
Following encouraging results, in-fill drillholes at 200 and 100 metre spacing will be completed around selected existing drillholes. There are also additional target areas that will be tested. This drilling is expected to total 2.000 metres and the timing will be dependent on access, drill rig availability and current results.
Smoky Project Drilling
Aircore hammer drilling at the Smoky Halloysite Project is planned to commence in the first quarter of 2023, subject to approval of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) by the Department of Regional NSW. This deposit contains known halloysite and meta-kaolin and samples will be collected and tested to determine their economic potential.
“We are delighted to have completed our first drilling campaign at the Poochera Project. The presence of thick, shallow intersections of kaolin is extremely positive, and marks the first time that kaolin mineralisation has been identified over the project area. We look forward to receiving the formal assay results in due course and updating the market on the Stage 2 drill program at Poochera.”
For further information please visit: http://www.viridismining.com.au.com.au/
