ASX-listed mineral exploration company Western Mines Group (ASX:WMG) has completed diamond drillhole MTD024 as part of ongoing phase two drilling at the Mulga Tank Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Element Project in Western Australia.
The company reports this hole was designed to test downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) and moving loop electromagnetic (MLEM) geophysical anomalies in the Panhandle area of the Mulga Tank Ultramafic Complex, which is interpreted to represent komatiite flow sequences extending from the main body of the complex.
Western Mines reports MTD024 intersected an assemblage of komatiite ultramafic and interbedded basalts, cherts, and sulphidic black shares across about 450m. This hole supports the company’s geological model for the complex and panhandle area, however the ‘highly’ variable sequence of flows suggest the hole targeted a distal flank environment away from a main komatiite channel.
An intersection of remobilised nickel sulphide blebs and veinlets were also witnessed at a depth of 573m.
The DHEM and MLEM geophysical anomalies tested by the hole are thought to be explained by intersections of semi-massive pyrrhotite seen within black shales at target depths of 515m and 659m. These were some of the ‘densest’ accumulations of sulphide seen to date at the project, supporting the EM methodology but ultimately not proving to be nickel bearing sulphides.
The source of the remobilised massive nickel sulphide veinlets seen in this hole and nearby holes MTD006 and MTD016 remains to be found.
Commenting on the results, Western Mines Group Managing Director Dr Caedmon Marriott says: “This was just the third hole in the Panhandle area and further enhances our geological interpretation and understanding of the complex.
“This was just the third hole in the Panhandle area and further enhances our geological interpretation and understanding of the complex”
It appears to be an interesting area for potential Kambalda-style targets and these results will feed back into our model and hopefully narrow down the target area for the remobilised massive nickel sulphide veining also seen in nearby holes MTD006 and MTD016, the source of which remains elusive.
The rig has now been moved on to hole MTP025 and will continue drilling targets back in the main body of the complex.”
Western Mines reports phase two drilling at Mulga Tank consists of 6 diamond drill holes totalling 4,000-5,000m to test several follow-up targets based on the results of the company’s first drilling program, and ongoing exploration targeting work.
The company says the drill rig has now moved back into the main body of the Mulga Tank Ultramafic Complex and has started drilling hole MTP025. A DHEM crew is mobilising to site this week to survey the phase two diamond holes completed to date.
Western Mines Group is an ASX-listed mineral exploration company focused on exploring and discovering ‘high-value’ gold and nickel sulphide deposits across its portfolio of projects in Western Australia.
These projects include the Mulga Tank, Jasper Hill Melita, Youanmi, Pavarotti, Rock of Ages, Broken Hill Bore, and Pinyaling projects.
Images: Western Mines Group Ltd
