West Australian nickel sulphide explorer NickelSearch (ASX:NIS) has identified lithium and volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) potential through an independent geochemical review at the Carlingup Project near Ravensthorpe.
The company, which Medallion Metals (ASX:MM8) is a 15.1% shareholder in, reports the review has flagged potential for lithium and VHMS mineralisation in addition to the nickel sulphide prospectivity already being investigated.
An independent geochemist, studied the results of the ultra-fine soil sampling conducted over the Carlingup Trend by NickelSearch reporting on assay data for nickel, lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, and VHMS potential.
Lithium-bearing pegmatites are known to be in the area from mining activity at the Allkem (ASX:AKE) Mt Cattlin operations at Ravensthorpe, and Bulletin Resources’ (ASX:BNR) Ravensthorpe Lithium Project.
NickelSearch reports the soil geochemical data shows lithium prospectivity areas associated with anomalous lithium, caesium, niobium, and beryllium assay results. The report identified 22 areas of interest for LCT pegmatites, of which 5 areas considered ‘high priority’.
“Allkem’s Mt Cattlin mine is 10km away from our project. To date we have focused on nickel sulphides”
Commenting on the prospectivity, NickelSearch Managing Director, Nicole Duncan, says: “Allkem’s Mt Cattlin mine is 10km away from our project. To date we have focused on nickel sulphides.
Given that we had recently completed ultra-fine soil sampling across part of the Carlingup Trend, we asked an independent geochemist to review the data to help guide our broader exploration focus.
It is hugely exciting to have confirmation that our tenements are prospective for many minerals that are needed in the energy transition, including lithium. We know the ground at Carlingup can host high-grade nickel sulphides because our tenements host RAV8, which produced 16,100 tonnes nickel at 3.45%.
Having areas of prospectivity highlighted independently confirms the value of examining all available data using the latest knowledge and techniques.”
The company says potential for the Carlingup Trend to host VHMS mineralisation was identified in 2014 after Traka Resources (ASX:TKL) drilled deep hole RAVD120 to 582.4m, targeting nickel sulphides 2km to the west of RAV8. Ross Large and his team at the University of Tasmania Centre for Ore Deposit and Earth Sciences analysed the core due to the presence of pyrite in the igneous rocks.
The work was completed as part of a broader Pyrite Geochemistry Study aimed at understanding pathfinder geochemistry associated with VHMS deposits. The company reports the core from RAVD120 was analysed along with 4 other holes across Western Australia in March 2014. The team used a gold vector scoring system to generate scores out of 100, and RAVD120 scored 100.
Analysis of the Carlingup soil data used the well documented association of lead, zinc, copper, silver, cadmium, thallium, and tin to evaluate the VHMS potential. The data shows a ‘high-priority’ anomaly about 1,300m from RAVD120, and a cluster of 3 larger prospects around the regional structures close to RAV 4, and RAV4 West.
NickelSearch says 16 areas of interest were identified for VHMS potential, of which 4 are considered ‘high priority’. This analysis broadens the potential VHMS prospectivity of the region around Ravensthorpe, as flagged in the prospectus for Medallion Metals.
To test the lithium prospectivity, NickelSearch will assess the effectiveness of remote sensing in identifying spodumene outcropping on the Carlingup Trend. Following this, a campaign of detailed mapping and rock chip sampling will be undertaken over the areas that are cleared for exploration, followed by drilling as appropriate.
The company reports it has applied for funding under the Western Australian government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) to drill the VHMS target related to RAVD120. This will require a deep hole in order to also reach the basal ultramafic contact.
NickelSearch is an ASX-listed nickel sulphide explorer focused on advancing its flagship Carlingup Nickel Project near Ravensthorpe in Western Australia. Carlingup has an existing resource base of 155,000 tonnes of contained nickel.
Images: NickelSearch Ltd
