Encounter Resources has expanded its diamond drilling program at the Aileron copper-critical minerals project in WA’s West Arunta region, suggesting there could be some encouraging signs from the first holes its drilled.

The four hole diamond drill hole program in the West Arunta will be completed this month but for those looking closely, Encounter slipped in that it’s going to complete an extra third hole at the Crean target “based on the observations from drilling”, taking the total program to five holes. The other two holes will test the Caird and Worsley targets.

The deeper diamond drilling will be completed by extending shallower RC holes which were drilled earlier to a depth of 80 – 90 metres.

First results from the shallower RC drilling are expected this month, with the diamond hole results due in the September quarter.

Final gravity survey results also in

Encounter also said the final data from the project-wide Falcon airborne gravity survey had refined and enhanced large-scale targets at Aileron, including a suite of structurally complex anomalies immediately north of the Luni discovery by WA1 Resources (ASX:WA1).

A series of RC drill traverses are planned to test these gravity targets between August and October 2023, along with additional RC drilling at Caird, Crean and Worsley, showing more confidence in the current drill program.

In addition, three significant gravity anomalies (up to 6 mGal) in the eastern part of Aileron (Eastern Gravity Anomalies) have been prioritised – Mawson, Perce and Wordie. A heritage survey that will include these high priority targets is scheduled for July 2023.

Targeting IOCG and carbonatite-hosted deposits

“The project wide Falcon gravity survey provides a fundamental dataset to target Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and carbonatite-hosted critical mineral deposits in the West Arunta region,” Encounter Resources (ASX:ENR) MD Will Robinson said.

“The survey area north of the Luni discovery by WA1 Resources has resolved into a suite of structurally complex density anomalies interpreted as potential alkaline intrusions.

“These features will be tested in an RC drill program planned for August-October 2023 along with additional drilling at Caird, Crean and Worsley.

“Further east, three standout density features have been prioritised as highly prospective for carbonatite-hosted critical minerals and base metals with surface geochemistry, and possibly RC drilling, planned for later in 2023.”

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Encounter Resources, 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.

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