Pioneer Minerals (ASX:PMM) has completed a high-resolution LiDAR structural interpretation across the Springfield Project in Idaho, US.
The company identified multiple previously unrecognised structural features across the system from terrain modelling and geological interpretation.
One identified structural feature includes a northeast-trending fault crosscutting through the historical Springfield Mine area, which also crosscuts a previously identified magnetic anomaly.
These structures are described as prospective for potential fluid pathways for tungsten, gold, and gallium mineralisation.
CEO Michael Beven says identifying this structure represents an “important advancement” in Pioneer’s understanding of the Springfield mineralised system.
“The interpreted structure appears to directly intersect the large magnetic anomaly previously identified by the company, which we believe may represent either a roof pendant structure or potentially massive pyrrhotite mineralisation associated with the tungsten skarn system,” Beven says.
“Crosscutting structures such as these act as fluid pathways capable of concentrating mineralisation.
“The interpretation significantly strengthens our geological model and provides high-priority targeting criteria for the upcoming electromagnetic survey and maiden drill program.
“Importantly, the LiDAR work continues to demonstrate that Springfield is emerging as a large-scale multi-commodity mineralised system with overlapping structural and geological controls associated with tungsten, gold, and gallium mineralisation.”
Reconnaissance rock chip sampling at Springfield returned results including 128.7 parts per million (ppm) gallium oxide, 94.8ppm gallium oxide, 94.5ppm gallium oxide, and 93.9ppm gallium oxide.
The Springfield system has returned gold assays up to 7.75 grams per tonne, with supporting samples including 1.51g/t gold and 1.49g/t gold, as well as tungsten assays up to 2.98% tungsten trioxide.
Pioneer Minerals intends to accelerate project advancement, including the evaluation of a modular processing plant concept, the re-opening of historical access roads, a planned electromagnetic survey, preparing applications for US Government funding opportunities, and beginning a maiden drill program.
Pioneer Minerals is a uranium, tungsten, and lithium exploration company with assets mainly in Australia, Colorado (US), Namibia, and Canada.
Write to Maddison Elliott at Mining.com.au
Images: Pioneer Minerals
