Moreton Resources Ltd’s (ASX:MRV) wholly owned subsidiary, MRV Metals Pty Ltd has lodged an environmental amendment application as it seeks to increase the production potential of the Granite Belt Project.
The area is prospective for both base and precious metals, but Moreton is initially focusing on silver and copper.
The aim of the environmental amendment application is to facilitate an expansion to a polymetallic operation with a maximum capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum, up from the current 1.5 million tonnes.
Extensive 2018 drilling campaign aimed at establishing a maiden resource estimate
In tandem with this development is the initiation of a 15,000 metre drilling campaign which should begin on January 18.
The company expects some early results within the first 4 to 6 weeks of this initial resource exploration program.
Drilling should progress for most of 2018, potentially culminating in the establishment of a maiden JORC resource estimate.
Investigations into viability of a polymetallic plant configuration
Moreton believes there is the potential for the Granite Belt project to host a range of metals based on the style of mineralisation and other discoveries in that region.
Metals referenced by the company outside of the immediate targets include gold, zinc and lead.
This has prompted Moreton to commence studies and determinations regarding the viability of its potential polymetallic plant configuration.
Anticipated data from the drilling program will serve to determine the final design, costs and construction criteria.