Perth-based explorer Westar Resources (ASX:WSR) has intersected multiple thick pegmatites in a maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program at the Olga Rocks Lithium-Gold Project in Western Australia.
While awaiting assays, Westar reports its geologists have begun detailed investigations into the pegmatite potential of the larger tenement package.
Contingent on ‘favourable’ assays, the company’s geologists will begin planning a second phase of RC drilling to establish the strike and depth potential of any mineralised pegmatites and the LCT potential of newly identified pegmatites.
In tandem with the drilling work, a separate round of composite sampling was undertaken to determine base-metal potential within the ultramafic and ‘high’ magnesium basalts. The company says these samples have been submitted to the laboratory, with assays expected in 2 weeks.
Westar reports additional studies, including mapping and rock chip sampling, have also begun to advance gold exploration both in the southern tenure and the banded iron formation (BIF) to the north of recent drilling, where several historical shafts and workings exist.
The company’s share price has risen by 105.88% to $0.070 at 1pm AEST.
The company reports the maiden 14-hole RC drilling program for 1,460m was designed as a proof-of-concept campaign to test for lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT)-style mineralisation in fractionated pegmatites and validate a historical ‘high-grade’ gold intercept. The first batch of RC drill samples has been sent to a laboratory in Perth for analysis of lithium and gold, with assays expected within 6 weeks.
Additionally, Westar says samples from 4 holes that interpreted ultramafic and basalts have been sent for analysis to test for nickel, cobalt, and other base metals.
Results returned in the maiden drilling include hole OLRC005 with 44m of pegmatite intercepted from 17m; OLRC002 with 38m of pegmatite intercepted from 9m; and OLRC014 with 21m of pegmatite intercepted from 57m.
Commenting on the results, Westar Resources Executive Director Lindsay Franker says: “Westar is delighted to announce our proof-of-concept maiden drilling program has successfully identified multiple thick pegmatites at the Olga Rocks Project.
In addition, the magnetite-biotite alteration identified in the gold-validation drillhole supports the potential of gold mineralisation. The thickness of the interpreted high-magnesium basalts and ultramafic units also require evaluation for base metal potential.
“Following from the success of the maiden RC drilling program, Westar is planning the next phase of drilling, targeting along strike and down-dip extensions”
Following from the success of the maiden RC drilling program, Westar is planning the next phase of drilling, targeting along strike and down-dip extensions. Whilst awaiting laboratory assays, Westar geologists will continue to advance exploration, targeting for buried pegmatites across the Olga Rocks tenure.”
Westar reports the maiden drilling program intercepted pegmatites in 8 drillholes with variable weathering, thickness, and mineralogical composition. The company interprets this to indicate multiple pegmatite intrusions and zoning within the pegmatites and notes further work and chemical analyses are required to establish the extent, orientations, true thickness, and mineralogical zonation of the pegmatites.
Westar Resources is a Perth-based mineral exploration company focused on discovering and developing ‘high-quality’ precious and future metal assets in Western Australia.
The company’s portfolio of projects includes Opaline Well, Mindoolah, Winjangoo, Gidgee North, Mt Finnerty, and the Parker Dome-Olga Rocks projects.
The Olga Rocks project, which lies in the Forrestania lithium district, was acquired by Westar in mid-January 2023, and the company has subsequently completed ‘extensive’ data compilation, reconnaissance mapping and sampling, and orientation soil sampling in the area.
Additionally, the company’s field and technical studies have identified 3 zones of LCT-prospective pegmatites at the project, indicating the possibility of strike extensions up to 3km.
Images: Westar Resources Ltd
