Special Report: First-pass aircore drilling has clearly demonstrated the potential of Auroch’s Valdez prospect to host massive nickel sulphides.

The drilling returned thick intercepts of elevated nickel such as 9m at 0.41 per cent nickel from 33m, 6m at 0.37 per cent nickel from 48m, and 6m at 0.35 per cent nickel from 66m within the prospective and highly-fertile channel within the Leinster project in WA.

Adding interest, Auroch Minerals (ASX:AOU) notes that the modelled channel corresponds with both an aeromagnetic high and an electromagnetic (EM) anomaly, which further increases its potential to host massive nickel sulphides.

“Since its acquisition, the Valdez prospect has been considered a high-potential exploration target, given its location and proximity to Saracen’s (ASX:SAR) high-grade Waterloo nickel mine,” managing director Aidan Platel said.

“The excellent nickel results from the recent AC drilling of the weathered profile really highlights the potential of significant massive nickel sulphide mineralisation underneath in the fresh rock, which we look forward to testing with the upcoming RC drilling phase within the next two weeks.”

Aircore drill hole locations and results Pic: Supplied

Exploration mirrors strategy used at Saints nickel project

Auroch took the same systematic exploration strategy that worked at its Saints nickel project and applied it to Valdez.

It completed 11 AC lines comprising 61 drill holes totalling 4,411m in mid-July to characterise the ultramafic package at Valdez, particularly where it overlies the strong EM anomaly.

Notably, the ultramafic unit is the same unit that hosts Waterloo.

Historical drilling at the prospect had partially defined a north-south striking ultramafic unit overlying the EM anomaly.

However, this was too shallow and widely spaced and has been judged to be insufficient for detailed characterisation or identification of any possible fertile channels.

Aircore drilling at the Valdez prospect Pic: Supplied

 

Further nickel drilling at Valdez

For the next exploration phase at Valdez, the company plans to drill 3 to 5 drill holes over the 150m strike length of the channel.

The holes will aim to intersect the basal ultramafic-mafic contact at a downhole depth of 150m to 200m, well into the fresh rock and will extend a further 50m into the mafic unit.

All holes will be surveyed with down-hole EM to identify any potential conductive bodies within the channel area.

Auroch is also continuing diamond drilling at the Saints project with initial results expected to be received by the end of next week.

 

 

 

 

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.

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