BlackEarth Minerals NL (ASX:BEM) is encouraged by results from its first program of field exploration on the Donnelly River Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Metals (PGM) south of Perth, Western Australia.
The primary source of encouragement has been the confirmation of mafic-ultramafic rocks in one location associated with a prominent magnetic anomaly and noted historical nickel-copper anomalism.
An initial reconnaissance exploration program involved first-pass geological mapping and geochemical sampling along available public access roads.
“Highly encouraging step”
Managing director Tom Revy said: “This initial field program has confirmed the presence of ultramafics which is a highly encouraging step towards ascertaining the potential value of the Donnelly River prospect.
“Assay results are expected to be received in December given the general backlog that currently exists in Perth assay laboratories."
The company’s geophysical consultants have been retained to design and manage a planned airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey to cover E70/4825 to begin in early 2021.
Results of this survey will then form the basis for targeting and design of the next phase of exploration.
Revy said: "BEM has committed to the next stage of exploration, which includes an AEM survey which is planned to commence early next year.
“The start date will be confirmed later and remains subject to equipment availability and land access agreements being negotiated”.
Recent program
Geological consultants undertook a program of fieldwork that included:
- Assessment of project access and land use;
- Field checking and reconnaissance mapping of the identified priority targets; and
- Collection of 78 geochemical samples from public access roads covering the historical Palgorup Prospect and the southern domain of the project area.
All available open file airborne magnetic data has been sourced and re-processed.
The Donnelly River Project adjoins the Thor and Odin nickel-copper-PGM prospects, recently identified by Chalice Gold Mines Limited (ASX:CHN) and Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS) at their South West JV.