Blackstone Minerals (ASX: BSX) could charge up the potential of its Ta Khoa nickel project in Vietnam after unearthing significant platinum, palladium and gold.

The first ever assays of platinum group elements (PGE) at the Ban Phuc disseminated sulphide (DSS) zone could enhance the economics of the project, which has already returned promising nickel hits.

More assays are on the way that could grant Blackstone a clearer understanding of Ta Khoa’s full potential.

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Drilling is ongoing at the project with the company continuing to test high impact targets that were generated by the recently completed induced polarisation (IP) survey.

Unsurprisingly, Blackstone plans to prioritise DSS targets to further investigate the PGE opportunity and unlock the nickel sulphide system at Ta Khoa.

“Our maiden PGE assays from the Ban Phuc disseminated sulphide are a game-changer for the Ta Khoa nickel project,” managing director Scott Williamson said.

“We look forward to better understanding the project’s full potential as we receive further assays from our drilling program.”

Ban Phuc DSS maiden drill holes (Supplied)

Blackstone has a 12-month option to acquire a 90 per cent stake in Ta Khoa, which is about 160km west of Hanoi.

The company was the first to undertake an IP survey at the project, which has paid off in spades with the identification of multiple targets and now the discovery of PGE.

It is also continuing efforts to develop the capability to process nickel and cobalt in Vietnam to supply Asia’s growing lithium-ion battery industry.

Ta Khoa includes a 450,000-tonne-per-annum concentrator at the previously producing Ban Phuc nickel mine that would require little work to bring back online.

This facility could provide Blackstone a low-cost path to early production and serve as a shortcut to advance its processing ambitions.

 

>> Now watch: 90 Seconds With…Scott Williamson, Blackstone Minerals

 

 

This story was developed in collaboration with Blackstone Minerals, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This story does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.