Sri Lankan graphite-company MRL Corporation (ASX:MRF) has delivered more analytical assay results from diamond hole DHE228-01, which recently intersected high grade graphite in Sri Lanka.
Adding to the potential of the area, mineralisation continues in DHE228-04 towards the second shaft.
Today's highlight from the contact chill zone of DHE228-01 included 99.2% Total Carbon.
The company said that the result was unexpected as normally contact graphite averages around 85% Total Graphitic Carbon, and although the results are not representative of the entire orebody they indicate the possibility of extremely high grade pods within graphite mineralised zones.
A graphite vein was intersected last month and provided:
- Interval 91.62m to 92.32m averaged 94.1% TGC with results as high as 95.4% TGC; and
- Interval 97.0m to 97.9m averaged 97% TGC, with results as high as 97.8% TGC.
Assays are from the Pandeniya – Priority 1 Area within the Warakopola Project Area.
DHE228-04 intersects graphite
Drill hole DHE228-04 has intersected four graphite fingers at 30.59 metres, 35.8 metres, 38.05 metres and 38.7 metres - which the company said was at a shallower depth than anticipated.
This however is in line with the second shaft to the south west.
Intersections will not be analysed as they are not of sufficient widths to be representative of the thicker zones, such as intercepted in DHE228-01.
The intersections show continuity of veining between the shafts and the possibility of a much longer strike length than anticipated.
Next exploration steps
Following the completion of DHE228-02 & 03 deeper diamond holes under the Bopitiya site up to three additional shallow holes may be drilled over the Pandeniya zone.
The additional holes are likely to be sufficient to provide engineering staff the information required to apply for a mining permit over this area and precede towards mining.
Vein graphite
The grade of vein graphite is typically above 90% Cg, with a purity of 95-99% carbon without refining.
Vein graphite has higher thermal and electrical conductivity, and it also has the highest degree of cohesive integrity of all natural graphite.
Vein graphite is easy to mould and can be formed into solid shapes without the aid of a binding addition, which leads to considerable cost savings over lower grade feedstock. Products include microcrystalline, large flake / needle.
Analysis
Although still early days for MRL Corporation in Sri Lanka, the analytical results of 99.2% Total Carbon highlight the prospectivity of the area.
The next news will come following the completion of the DHE228-02 & 03 deeper diamond holes under the Bopitiya site.
The company will then look to drill some shallower holes, targeting sufficient information to provide engineering staff the information required to apply for a mining permit over this area and proceed towards mining.
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