Neometals (ASX:NMT) has received assays from 33 selected samples across two reverse circulation (RC) drill holes at its Rinaldi copper prospect within the Barrambie Gold Project in Western Australia.
Results include 6m @ 1.56% copper (Cu) and 20.8g/t silver (Ag) from 101m in hole 26RCRC009, including a ‘higher-grade’ section of 1m @ 2.96% Cu and 40.2g/t Ag. A second hole, 26RCRC007, returned 5m @ 0.43% Cu from 31m.
The July drilling program comprised four RC holes totalling 388m at Rinaldi. The program aimed to test above and beneath significant copper intercepts from March drilling and evaluate the T2 dipole-dipole induced polarisation (DDIP) target.
However, the company discontinued two holes due to water ingress, including the hole targeting the T2 DDIP anomaly. Geological logging of the abandoned hole identified broad pyrite mineralisation and quartz veining, with visual chalcopyrite observed over 1m.
Managing Director Chris Reed says the results “confirm primary copper sulphide mineralisation continues at depth beneath the historic Rinaldi workings”.
“We are also encouraged by the preliminary observations from the T2 drilling, which was terminated prematurely due to water ingress. We plan to return with a diamond rig in September to properly test this exciting target,” Reed adds.
The 33 samples represent approximately 9% of the 338 total samples collected, selected based on visual indicators, including copper minerals and quartz veining. Routine analysis of remaining samples for copper, gold, and silver continues.
The company plans diamond drilling in September to test the T2 target to its designed depth of 175m. A detailed ground magnetic survey and soil geochemistry program will verify potentially anomalous historic soil results over the target area.
Hole 26RCRC009 intercepted copper mineralisation from the east, with 2–3% chalcopyrite observed throughout the 6m zone. The intercept demonstrates continuation of copper systems beneath historic workings, which produced 112 tonnes of copper ore at 16.6% copper between 1944 and 1961.
Additional drilling is required to define the dip and continuity of the Rinaldi copper lode, with moderate changes in dip observed across the four copper intercepts to date.
Neometals holds a 100% interest in the Barrambie Gold Project, located in the Eastern Murchison Goldfields approximately 60km from the Solstice Minerals (ASX:SLS) Nanadie deposit.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Neometals
