Government scientists appear to be on speed-dial for explorers active in Western Australia’s highly prospective Pilbara region.

The federal government’s scientific research agency CSIRO is already working with miners to help unlock the secrets of the conglomerate gold phenomenon that’s sweeping the Pilbara.

Now explorers are turning to scientists for help in understanding base metals in the region.

Base metals are non-precious commodities widely used in commercial and industrial applications — such as aluminum, copper, lead, nickel, tin and zinc.

ASX-listed Rumble Resources told investors on Monday that it has partnered with the CSIRO to investigate the types of minerals and how they might occur at its Braeside project in the Pilbara.

Late last year Rumble struck a deal to acquire a 75 per cent stake in what it thought was a zinc project.

But by February Rumble realised the project also hosted vanadium – which is now also one of the highly sought-after battery metals.

The company has more than 1000 sq km of land in the Pilbara. The base metal mineralisation extends over a 34km strike within one tenement, which accounts for only about 15 per cent of the larger project, and is completely open.

Within that tenement there are 11 groups of significant base metals according to Rumble.

Only four of the groups have been partly tested with recent reconnaissance drilling which uncovered a new high-grade zinc discovery at Devons Cut.

CSIRO has expertise in spectral methodology and interpretation for minerals exploration.

Spectral imaging helps map types of underground minerals by identifying the signatures of underground materials.

The partnership with Rumble will involve processing and interpreting spectral data.

“The collaborative study with CSIRO will gain an understanding of the mineral alteration and mineralisation relationship that may lead to significantly expediting generation of high order targets for further geochemistry and possible drill testing,” technical director Brett Keillor said.

Rumble says drill hole spectral studies already undertaken by the company have confirmed widespread alteration in the area.

The company has received a $50,000 grant through the Australian government’s Innovation Connections program. Rumble will match the funding to complete the project.

The program helps drive innovation-led collaboration in the research and development sector.

The study is expected to take around five months.

Rumble has been contacted for further comment.