The AEM survey will be combined with auger drill results for an upcoming drill campaign. Pic via Getty Images.
Airborne survey fast-tracked after Western Yilgarn uncovers up to 26 targets at Ida Holmes Junction
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- AEM survey of 26 targets at Western Yilgarn’s Ida Junction Holmes brought forward two weeks
- Survey and auger results to combine to create targets for upcoming drilling
- Ida Holmes is highly prospective for copper, nickel, PGEs and lithium
Special Report: Western Yilgarn has brought forward the starting date of a Phase 1 airborne electro magnetic (AEM) survey over its Ida Holmes Junction project ahead of a 5000m drill campaign.
Western Yilgarn’s (ASX:WYX) 477km² Ida Holmes Junction project is across the intersection of the Holmes Dyke and the Mt Ida Fault, ~50km southwest of Gold Fields’ Agnew gold project, and is considered highly prospective for copper, nickel, platinum group elements (PGE) and lithium.
It’s also close to BHP’s (ASX:BHP) Leinster and Mt Keith nickel operations, Delta Lithium’s (ASX:DLI) 12.7Mt at 1.2% Li2O Mt Ida lithium project and Liontown Resources’ (ASX:LTI) 156Mt at 1.4% Li2O Kathleen Valley.
Auger drill targets
pXRF analysis of Phase 4 auger infill drilling has extended high priority N1 and N4 nickel-copper-PGE targets at Ida Junction Holmes to the south and added two new targets of the same type.
Auger samples were analysed using the latest portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology – a real time sampling tool typically used to identify areas of promise — is a valuable tool for helping with exploration decisions.
That’s taken the total number of identified targets up to 26 (15 nickel-copper-PGE and 11 LCT pegmatites) at the E36/1066 tenement, where the AEM survey will be conducted.
AEM surveys measure the natural variations in the electrical resistivity of rocks, soil and water deep below the surface to help explorers narrow down drill targets.
AEM results crucial for drilling
The highly anticipated AEM survey commencement date has been brought forward from ~8th June to ~25th May. It will run for 10 days ahead of an upcoming AC/RC drilling program.
1800 linear kilometres and 350km2 on 200m line spacing will be flown by UTS Geophysics and it’s Helicopter Borne VTEM and Magnetic Geophysical Survey technology.
The findings and interpretation of both the auger geochemistry and AEM Survey will combine to provide critical planning for the upcoming 5000m AC/RC drilling campaign.
Gavin Rutherford of Western Yilgarn says the successful and ongoing auger drilling program has expanded targets at the Ida Holmes Junction project and continues to deliver new ones.
“Our next exploration tool is the AEM program and we are very pleased to see its introduction brought forward by approximately 17 days,” Rutherford says.
“This means the data gathering component can be completed before its originally planned commencement date.
“This will facilitate earlier identification of targets for our AC/RC drilling program.”
This article was developed in collaboration with Western Yilgarn, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
