Lightning Minerals (ASX:L1M) has fast-tracked phase-three exploration at its Warby Tungsten Project in North Queensland after integrated phase-two results confirmed a larger mineralised system than previously interpreted.
The phase-two results were integrated with phase-one data, which included 91 soil samples, 17 pan concentrates, and 20 rock chips.
Five of six phase-two rock chip samples indicated ‘exceptional’ tungsten at surface, returning greater than 1% tungsten (W). This includes rock chips up to 5.5% W, confirming ‘high-grade’ quartz-wolframite vein mineralisation.
Managing Director Troy Brice says the results represent a significant step forward for Warby.
“Our inaugural soil program has expanded the mineralised footprint well beyond the known historical workings, with anomalies remaining open in multiple directions, meaning we have not yet found the boundaries of this system,” Brice says.
Reconnaissance mapping identified multiple World War I-era artisanal workings on multiple quartz-wolframite veins, which Lightning notes have never been tested with modern techniques.
Meanwhile, inaugural soil sampling detected continuous anomalous tungsten above 50 parts per million (ppm) across 200m and 125m on lines one and two, respectively.
Pan concentrate drainage samples confirmed ‘regional-scale’ tungsten-tin dispersion over approximately 4km², with peak assays of 44,800ppm W and 41,700ppm tin (Sn). Multi-element sampling returned 2.22 grams per tonne gold, 0.21% Sn, and 1.31% W.
Sampling also confirmed wolframite and scheelite in veins, with scheelite recorded in wall rock by ultraviolet fluorescence, indicating potentially higher in situ tungsten grades.
“What began as a tungsten target is now showing the hallmarks of other minerals, with gold, tin, and copper emerging alongside exceptional tungsten grades,” Brice remarks.
The company has commenced phase-three soil sampling to refine drill targets for a maiden drilling program across the untested 13km contact zone.
Lightning Minerals is an explorer and developer focused on advancing gold and copper assets in tier-one mining jurisdictions.
Write to Paula Fabe at Mining.com.au
Main image: Lightning Minerals
