NickelSearch Ltd (ASX:NIS) has finished its recent geophysical surveys at the Sexton target of its flagship Carlingup Project and confirmed its prospectivity for massive sulphides.
Survey results were delivered after the company’s successful completion of its regional reverse circulation (RC) drilling program.
NIS conducted the DHEM surveys, after the maiden RC holes delivered intersections with massive to matrix sulphides.
The results indicate the potential for significant extensions to nickel sulphide mineralisation and will be used to guide the follow-up drill program.
Plan View of Sexton over a Total Magnetic Intensity image of the target.
Follow up drilling is set for Q2 CY23.
“We are excited to see strong indicators that Sexton has the potential to progress into a significant nickel discovery,” NickelSearch managing director Nicole Duncan said.
“The modelled DHEM plates and visual mineralisation intercepted in the maiden drill program suggest mineralisation extends at depth and down-plunge. The very high conductivity of the DHEM plates also highlights the potential to intersect a high-grade channel, which will be a focus for follow-up drilling.
“The recent drilling results and success of the DHEM surveys give us confidence in continuing with systematically testing our 30+ greenfields targets defined across Carlingup.
“We look forward to commencing follow-up drilling at Sexton and maiden RC and diamond drill programs at greenfields targets, Lipple, Wadley and John Ellis West in Q2 2023.”
Breaking down the survey
Looking at the detail, DHEM plates were found to extend 80 metres down dip and more than 150 metres down-plunge from recent drilling that intersected six metres of massive and matrix sulphides from 149 metres in drill hole 23NRC012, with assays pending.
The DHEM plates are coincident with historic nickel sulphide intersections, which has given NIS its confidence in pursuing follow-up drilling.
NIS engaged Gem Geophysics to complete DHEM surveys on holes 23NRC011 and 23NRC012 because of the logged sulphides they contain. Modelling was completed by Newexco in Perth.
The DHEM survey results from both holes support an upper and lower plate, with the highest conductance of up to 50,000 Siemens in the lower plate to the east of hole 23NRC012.
Importantly, these plates extend 80 metres down-dip to the south and at least 150 metres down plunge to the southeast. Drill hole 23NRC012 has also been checked with a ThermoScientific NiteOn XL5 pXRF handheld device (pXRF).
Readings from this pXRF suggest the sulphides are nickel bearing.
Note, pXRF results should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analysis that is required to determine grades and widths reported from visual or pXRF logging.
Assays are on their way.
The plunge orientation is very similar to that seen in the RAV8 deposit, located 3.5 kilometres to the east, and has been interpreted as indicating the Sexton plates are following regional trends rather than just apparent dip.
DHEM plates are coincidental with historic drill section of 2 metres at 1.2% nickel and 0.17% copper from 98 metres, and recent sulphide intersections. The results provides NIS with the confidence to move forward with its Q2 drilling plans.