Azure has identified multiple targets along a 4km long nickel-rich mineralised belt at the Andover project as it prepares to carry out further drilling.

The new Southern Mineralised Corridor is highly prospective for hosting nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide deposits in addition to the Ridgeline and Andover deposits to the west as well as the Skyline and Seaview prospects in the east.

Azure Minerals (ASX:AZS) first defined the SMC at surface through the use of geological mapping and geochemical sampling before using airborne magnetic and electromagnetic data to identify and trace the mineralised intrusion over a strike length of more than 4km from Ridgeline to Seaview.

Outcropping gossans – some with visible copper oxides and carbonates – that could represent massive nickel-copper sulphide at depth have also been discovered at the Atrium, Woodbrook, Skyline, Seaview and other locations.

These appear to be largely undisturbed, which indicates that they have not been identified and tested by previous explorers.

“We’re fortunate that there is virtually no soil cover over the majority of the Andover Project and most rocks, including those that contain the nickel and copper sulphide mineralisation, are exposed at surface,” managing director Tony Rovira says.

“Starting in the southwest quadrant of the property, our exploration team is accurately mapping the surface geology and defining the Southern Mineralised Corridor, a greater than 4km-long nickel-rich mineralised belt.

“The mapping and surface sampling campaign is now expanding to cover the eastern part of the property and identify extensions of the mineralised system.

“This work will enable us to vector in on other prospective parts of the mineralising intrusion, which will then be drilled to continue building the mineral resource base at the Andover Project as quickly as possible.”

Andover is 60% owned by Azure with the remaining 40% held by billionaire prospector Mark Creasy, of Bronzewing and Nova fame.

Keeping the drillbit spinning

While drilling is continuing at the Ridgeline deposit and Atrium location, detailed mapping and sampling is currently being conducted in the zone between Ridgeview and Seaview, which is the highest priority horizon for exploration within the Andover complex.

Surface FLEM surveying will also commence shortly to ensure complete coverage of the SMC.

Reconnaissance mapping and detailed evaluation of the airborne magnetic and electromagnetic data already indicates that the SMC may continue for possibly another 6km to the east of Seaview.

Azure has identified several attractive VTEM electromagnetic conductors, which is encouraging given the strong correlation between EM conductors and nickel-copper-cobalt sulphide mineralisation elsewhere in the corridor.

Surface FLEM is also being carried out at the Pipeline prospect in the northwestern part of Andover where an earlier hole drilled by the company returned up to 0.38% nickel, 0.96% copper, 160ppb platinum and 340ppb palladium.

Surface mapping and geochemical sampling is being carried out around the hole to define the prospective host and assist with drill targeting.

Heritage approvals have been received and diamond drilling is expected to commence within the next two to three months.

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Azure 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.

Read MoreNickel

Featured Companies

You might be interested in