Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR) is commencing induced polarisation (IP) surveys to detect potential zones of sulphides within two large unexplained, multi-ringed magnetic ring features buried in the Gibson Desert in Western Australia.

Experts are divided on whether the large multi-ringed magnetic features are caused by the impact of a meteorite, an igneous intrusion or a mineral alteration system.

Geophysical gravity surveys funded by Strategic Elements recently identified large dense bodies of material (gravity anomalies) buried within the multi-ringed magnetic ring features.

These were identified at the Ilkurlka and Lennis projects.

READ: Strategic Elements identifies ring-featured anomalies with potential sulphides

Exploration of these gravity anomalies for sulphide minerals through IP geophysical surveys is being conducted as sulphides can be associated with very large deposits of nickel, copper, platinum-group elements (PGE) and gold.

The key objective of the IP survey is to investigate the presence of chargeable bodies in the target areas derived from the recent gravity survey.

READ: Strategic Elements advancing dual focus on technology and gold exploration

The chargeable material may indicate potential zones of disseminated sulphides with a potential to hold nickel - copper - gold mineralisation.

The company has engaged specialist contractors to conduct the IP surveys at its Ilkurlka and Lennis project areas and both surveys to be completed in November 2018.

Meteorite impact structures

Multi-ringed meteorite impact structures are well recognised overseas to be associated with significant mineral resources.

The Witwatersrand Basin, which has produced about 40% of all gold mined on Earth and the world-class nickel-copper-PGE sulphide deposits in mafic ultramafic intrusions of the large Sudbury impact structure are well-known examples.

There are numerous other deposits (Carswell Uranium, Ternovka Iron Ore-Uranium etc.) that are linked with impact structures.