The survey has defined a series of large, high amplitude gravity anomalies in the West Arunta that will be fast tracked for drilling . Pic via Getty Images
Encounter closes in on a swarm of new critical minerals targets in the West Arunta
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Preliminary data from a Falcon airborne gravity survey has revealed large-scale targets at Encounter Resources’ Aileron copper-gold-REE project as preparations commence for an expanded exploration program.
Right across the tenement boundary from the market attention grabbing niobium discovery made by WA1 Resources (ASX:WA1), some big new gravity targets have been identified in the central and eastern areas of the +100km wide Aileron copper-gold-REE project.
This includes the large, high amplitude Caird target, directly northwest of WA1’s Luni discovery, which Encounter (ASX:ENR) is about to test in its diamond drill program which started this week.
Another two intense and discrete density anomalies were outlined further east at Aileron, both of which are interpreted as potential intrusive bodies or alteration signatures prospective for IOCG mineralisation.
Survey leads the way for the discovery of IOCG and carbonatite critical mineral deposits
Commenting on the survey results, ENR managing director Will Robinson says the project-wide survey provides fundamental data to target IOCG and carbonatite-hosted critical mineral deposits in the West Arunta region.
“We had ideal flying conditions and the survey data is high quality and revealing – it has also unveiled some extraordinary new density features that are interpreted as potential alkaline intrusions highly prospective for carbonatite-hosted critical minerals and base metals.
“We are delighted with the initial outputs of the survey as it has provided important geological context, key structural information and high-quality new targets.
“The plan now is to interpret and integrate these new datasets and we are already planning programs to test these exceptional targets.”
What’s next?
Interpretation and integration of the new data will be completed in the coming weeks with planned exploration to include surface geochemistry and drilling.
That’s on top of the diamond drilling already progressing which will test the exciting Caird, Crean and Worsley targets defined in prior geophysical surveys with first results expected in June-July 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.
