Minerals 260 (ASX:MI6) is in the throes of a maiden fieldwork program at its Aston project in Western Australia, with initial results confirming the presence of several pegmatite outcrops.
Launched in early May 2023, the program includes soil sampling, rock chip sampling, and airborne magnetic and radiometric surveys, which are expected to define drill targets for further exploration.
The soil sampling component consists of two sub-programs. The first will see the collection of roughly 6,000 reconnaissance samples designed to define broad areas of lithium and rare earth element (REE) anomalism. The second includes infill sampling over three key areas where historical stream sampling previously defined anomalous lithium.
So far, 624 reconnaissance samples have been collected, with preliminary assays greater than 100 parts per million (ppm) of lithium oxide (Li2O) confirming strong lithium anomalism.
Meanwhile, 1,275 infill samples have been collected over two northern areas of the project, which include the Jameson-Malinda trend, with assays still to come. Infill sampling over the third area to the south-west is scheduled for early July.
Of the 280 rock chip samples collected and submitted for assaying, results have been received for 179. A number of areas that have already been designated for further investigation returned results in excess of 200ppm Li2O and 1,000ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), and Minerals 260 notes that numerous outcropping pegmatites have been recorded.
Finally, the high-resolution aeromagnetic and radiometric program is approximately 80% complete. Once received, the data will help to further refine targets for geological reconnaissance and prospecting.
“Our systematic and multi-pronged approach at Aston is progressing well, and we have been very encouraged by what the team is observing in the field,” Managing Director David Richards says.
“We look forward to continuing this work and updating the market with additional news as soon as possible”
“We look forward to continuing this work and updating the market with additional news as soon as possible.”
Minerals 260 acquired the Aston project in March 2023 through the purchase of two separate tenement packages from eMetals (ASX:EMT) and White Cliff Minerals (ASX:WCN).
Located 230km east of Carnarvon and 850km north of Perth, the project consists of 13 largely contiguous exploration licences covering roughly 1,700km-square.
In addition to Aston, Minerals 260 owns the Dingo Rocks and Moora projects, and holds a 30% stake in the Koojan project through a joint venture with Lachlan Star (ASX:LSA).
Write to Oliver Gray at Mining.com.au
Images: Minerals 260 Ltd
