Apollo regional exploration highlights potential to grow Kroussou

Apollo has uncovered further evidence that sulphide base metal mineralisation is prevalent across its province-scale Kroussou zinc-lead project in Gabon.

Surface rock chip sampling confirmed the presence of base metal mineralisation at two new prospects with assays of up to 5.1% zinc+lead returned from Target Prospect 1 (TP1) and up to 1.5% zinc+lead at TP4.

The results highlight the potential for zinc+lead mineralisation to be found across most if not all of the 18 prospects identified along the more than 80km strike length of prospective geology at Kroussou.

Apollo Minerals (ASX:AON) has also started drilling operations at TP13 with drilling also planned for TP9 and TP8. This represents the first drilling ever at these prospects.

Drilling targeting expansion of high-grade trends identified by previous positive drilling is also ongoing at the Dikaki prospect with assays for a further seven holes returning 4.3m grading 5% zinc+lead from a down-hole depth of 59.1m and 8m at 3% zinc+lead from 82.2m within a broader 49.3m intersection at 1.7% zinc+lead from 40.9m.

“Zinc and lead mineralisation has been confirmed at surface at two further target prospects at Kroussou,” managing director Neil Inwood says.

“Our exploration program is at an exciting stage as we continue to receive positive drilling results from Dikaki whilst also expanding the known mineralisation across Kroussou with regional discoveries.

“The AEM survey results have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the potential of the emerging base metal province along the extensive 80km Kroussou trend.

Regional discoveries

Ongoing analysis of regional exploration activities such as mapping, rock chip sampling, soil geochemistry and passive seismic had identified six initial priority regional drill targets at TP13 (Niambokamba), TP4 (Ofoubou) and TP12 (Kayanga).

This work leveraged the understanding from drilling at Dikaki and Niamabimbou on mineralisation styles and the stratigraphic controls on the high-grade zinc+lead mineralisation.

Recent mapping at TP4 and TP1 (Salaganga North) has identified sulphide mineralisation at surface in several locations and expanded the known extents of the Cretaceous sedimentary units that host the base metal mineralisation.

At TP4, several mineralised outcrops were identified that returned grades up to 1.5% zinc+lead in previously unmapped areas within the northern embayment.

Passive seismic completed along the channel system have confirmed similar embayment structures to those displayed at Dikaki and Niamabimbou.

Meanwhile, rock chip sampling at TP1 has returned grades of up to 5.1% zinc+lead, the first time that base metal mineralisation has been confirmed in the area.

Upcoming activities

The company expects to start an airborne electromagnetic survey over the entire Kroussou prospective area later this month.

Data from the survey is expected to identify and highlight additional shallow high-grade mineralisation similar to that already discovered at the Dikaki and Niamabimbou prospects.

Regional exploration is also continuing with plans to conduct reconnaissance mapping, soil and surface rock chip sampling at all Target Prospect areas to generate regional drill targets.

Apollo also intends to carry out infill and extension drilling of high-grade mineralisation zones at Dikaki and Niamabimbou along with embayment drilling at greenfield target prospects TP13, TP9 and TP8.

Metallurgical test work will be carried out to confirm positive high-recovery, high-quality sulphide concentrate production; infrastructure assessments (transport and power), exploration target studies and ongoing engagement with the Government.

This article was developed in collaboration with Apollo Minerals, 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.