NickelSearch’s Carlingup nickel project is proving to be a target-rich environment after two new high-priority greenfields exploration targets were identified.

Ongoing systematic nickel sulphide targeting has added two new greensfields nickel sulphide targets – the Sprint and Relay targets – while upgrading the John Ellis West target in the central part of the tenement package at the Carlingup nickel project, which is strategically located in the same greenstone corridor as IGO’s Forrestania nickel mining complex, and adjacent to First Quantum Minerals’ Ravensthorpe Nickel Operation.

NickelSearch (ASX:NIS) had previously identified more than 30 greenfields targets, 11 of which were ranked as Priority 1 targets, following an integrated and systematic nickel sulphide targeting study.

The new targets will be incorporated into the upcoming extensive greenfields drill program which the company intends to kick off early in the December quarter.

A reverse circulation rig is also being secured to start drilling of the Sexton target to test a strong Kambalda ratio and PGM geochemical anomaly located east of a historical massive sulphide drill intersection of 2m at 1.2% nickel and 0.2% copper as well as the RAV8 target to testing two separate downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) conductor plates for potential down plunge extensions at Shoot 1 and Shoot 3.

“We are pleased to provide an update on greenfields exploration progress at Carlingup with the identification of new high priority targets to add to the already substantial target portfolio,” managing director Nicole Duncan said.

“The ongoing systematic exploration targeting work has identified new structural features that have important implications for greenfields exploration.

“We are looking forward to commencing our RC drill program shortly at Sexton and RAV8, followed by a significant greenfields exploration in Q4 2022.”

Previous drilling at RAV8 had confirmed the presence of bulk nickel sulphide mineralisation.

 

New targets

The new targets were identified by systematic targeting work carried out during the wet winter months to discover further high-grade, Komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide deposits.

This work was enhanced with the recently received total of 2,715 assays for multielement, ultra-fine soil geochemical results covering most of the 100% owned tenement package and the results of the recently completed ground gravity survey.

John Ellis West has a strong coincident Kambalda ratio and is a nickel-chromium and PGM geochemical soil anomaly associated with a magnetic high feature, which suggests a thickening of the ultramafic stratigraphy in the area, like RAV8. The target is flanked by two northwest trending gravity linear features.

Sprint is a very strong Kambalda ratio, nickel-chromium and PGM geochemical soil anomaly which is associated with an antiformal fold closure seen in airborne magnetics and forms within a north-west structural corridor like RAV8.

Meanwhile, Relay is a strong nickel-chromium and modest Kambalda ratio and PGM geochemical soil anomaly that coincide with a pair of tight antiformal fold hinges.

Like the Sprint target, they appear to form within a north-west trending gravity structural corridor which also passes through the Sexton and Javelin target areas to the south.

 

Next steps

Besides the planned start of drilling at Sexton and RAV8, NickelSearch is currently planning a regional geological mapping program across the project to improve its understanding of the lithostratigraphic and structural framework of the entire Project area to improve geological targeting.

This will improve the company’s understanding of the role of southeast trending structures which may play a role in nickel sulphide formation at Carlingup.

Program of Work applications are also proceeding for priority target areas at Sexton, Javelin, B1 and Serendipity where the Company intends to drill in the coming months.

 

This article was developed in collaboration with NickelSearch, 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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