Si6 Metals serves up juicy Botswana anomalies for 2021

Special Report: Si6 Metals has identified a number of significant anomalies at its Maibele nickel-copper-silver-cobalt-PGE project in Botswana as it shapes for a big year of exploration in 2021.

A 20sqkm gradient array induced polarisation survey of Si6 Metals’ (ASX:Si6) Airstrip and Dibete prospects was carried out in December alongside continued deep drilling of advanced prospects and picked up some serious chargeability anomalies.

The results give plenty of fodder for the new year of exploration – three new anomalies were identified at Airstrip:

Anomaly 1: The first was on the northeast edge of the survey area, coincident with historically drilled copper-silver lodes and has never been properly drill tested. The company said this anomaly’s proximity to sulphide mineralisation made it an exciting exploration target.

Anomaly 2: This anomaly presented as a large area of multiple, strong chargeability responses in the southwest corner of the survey area. The area displays copper and nickel surface geochemistry and is spatially associated with a large northwest trending dolerite dyke, the likes of which are associated with high grade copper and silver minerisation at Airstrip. Si6 said this anomaly would be a new exploration target for its potential to contain both Airstrip style copper-silver mineralisation and Maibele North-style nickel-copper-PGE mineralisation.

Anomaly 3: Located in the northern part of the survey area, the third anomaly is a northeast trending linear chargeability high of more than a kilometre in length. The anomaly is directly associated with a strong northeast trending copper-in-soil anomaly, in an area never previously drilled. Field reconnaissance has shown copper-oxide mineralisation is present at surface, and intersecting northwest and northeast-trending structural features are said to be a good sign in the potential identification of copper sulphides.

Si6 anomalies — The gradient IP map for the Airstrip Prospect and immediate western locality with historic drillholes, ORE Explorer targets and interpreted mafic/ultramafic units. Pic: Supplied

The IP survey at Dibete revealed three further zones of significant chargeability response.

The first was a zone more than 2km long, northeast trending chargeability high occurring coincident with previously drilled shallow high-grade copper-silver mineralisation, extending along strike to the northeast and the south west.

Si6 said it was highly encouraged by the anomaly, and it could mean potential at depth if the source was deeper than previous drilling at the prospect.

Two additional zones of high chargeability responses were identified at Dibete – one to the northwest of the prospect and one east-south-east from the main area. Both of these were spatially associated with a northwest-trending dolerite dyke which the company said might have important implications for the presence of copper sulphide mineralisation.

Si6 Metals chairman Patrick Holywell said the results were a great way to start the new year.

“The results achieved from the IP studies carried out over the Airstrip and Dibete Prospects demonstrate that multiple significant anomalies are present and very much put us on the front foot to continue with a successful 2021 program in Botswana,” he said

“Whilst Anomaly 1 at Airstrip demonstrates high chargeability zones extending along strike towards the Maibele North Ni-Cu-PGE orebody, Anomaly 2 is an entirely new exploration target for Si6 Metals representing strong potential to contain both Airstrip-style high grade Cu-Ag mineralisation as well as Maibele North-style Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation.

“Both anomalies show much prospectivity and we look forward to providing continual updates as we further progress our 2021 exploration program in Botswana.”

A follow-up survey is being planned at each prospect to gauge accurate depth of the targets identified, with RC drilling in the pipeline once the targets are finalised.

High grade copper and silver mineralisation at Airstrip and Dibete was said to appear similar in style and geology to that at the historical Messina copper deposits, around 230km south-east of the project area in South Africa.

More drilling to come

A hole of around 550 metres targeting deep nickel sulphide mineralisation at the Maibele North prospect progressed to around 320m prior to Christmas, with the team now back onsite and working to a 24-hour, double-shift roster to ensure its timely completion.

This hole’s main target is expected to be in the 400-500m downhole range.

Si6 said nickel sulphide mineralisation at Maibele North was related to ultramafic intrusions within mobile belt rocks, and was broadly similar in style to other nickel discoveries including Independence Group’s (ASX:IGO)Nova-Bollinger project and Chalice Gold’s (ASX:CHN) Julimar mine.

This article was developed in collaboration with Si6 Metals, 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.