Multiple pegmatite intrusions have been identified throughout the project area, including at the historic Nepean nickel mine itself.

Auroch Minerals has started the sampling process for lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) mineralisation at the Nepean Project in Western Australia.

Following the identification of multiple pegmatite intrusions throughout the project area, the company has now initiated sampling of the pegmatites from the diamond core, which will then be submitted for assaying for LCT mineralisation.

The abundance of pegmatites was also identified in the recently completed first diamond drill-hole into Auroch’s (ASX:AOU) Nepean Deeps target, which was designed to test for down-plunge extensions to the high-grade nickel sulphide mineralisation below the historic Nepean mine.

Auorch Minerals
Hole NPDD008, part of the thick pegmatite intrusion below the historic Nepean nickel mine from 641.5-993m. Pic: Supplied

This drill-hole intersected 46m of komatiitic ultramafics over three lower intervals, which are highly prospective for nickel sulphide mineralisation, and also intersected around 700m of pegmatite intrusions, including one 350m thick pegmatite in the hanging-wall below the historic nickel mine workings.

‘Very promising Nepean Deeps nickel sulphide target’

AOU managing director Aidan Platel said there is significant potential across the company’s tenure at the Nepean Project for lithium-caesium-tantalum mineralisation within the many pegmatites identified.

“Our recently-completed maiden diamond drill-hole into the very promising Nepean Deeps nickel sulphide target has provided us with significant intervals of fresh pegmatite intrusions in drill core, and we have initiated sampling of these zones in order to test for potential LCT mineralisation,” Platel said.

“In parallel, the down-hole geophysical surveys of drill-hole NPDD008 are well underway, and we are excited to see what targets they will potentially define to be tested by the ongoing Nepean Deeps diamond drill program.”

Down-hole electromagnetics 

Down-hole electromagnetics (DHEM) and down-hole magnetometric resistivity (DHMMR) surveys are being completed on hole NPDD008.

The surveys are to test for any conductive units that may represent nickel sulphide mineralisation within a radius of approximately 100–150m from the drill-hole.

Results from these surveys in conjunction with the geological interpretation will be used to design the next drill-holes into the Nepean Deeps targets.

The surveying and subsequent modelling of results from the down-hole geophysical surveys are expected to be completed by early next week.

Background  

Pegmatites at the Londonderry prospect 6km north of the historic Nepean nickel mine have previously been mined for multiple commodities including lithium, tantalite and beryl.

Auroch holds the tenure around the Londonderry prospects, including on a northeastern trend which will be reviewed for pegmatites both at outcrop and in the previous limited drilling.

Regionally, Mineral Resources’ (ASX:MIN) large Mt Marion lithium mine is only 35km to the east.

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Auroch 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