Empire Metals Ltd (AIM:EEE) has announced the next exploration phase at its Pitfield Project, Western Australia, with a drilling programme aimed at accelerating project development.
Set to begin in February, the drilling programme involves 40 reverse circulation drill holes and four diamond core drill holes, specifically targeting two high-grade titanium-mineralised zones.
Empire seeks to delineate the resource potential of these zones while gathering essential data for mineralogical and metallurgical analysis.
One of the key objectives of this drill programme is to increase the drill hole density at the two known areas of interest to support further resource evaluation work.
Both of these targets have confirmed thick, high-grade, near-surface, bedded TiO2 mineralisation, each with an approximate seven-kilometre strike extent.
Empire's efforts have been bolstered by a $110,000 funding grant from the Western Australian Government through its Exploration Incentive Scheme, reflecting strong government support for the project's advancement.
Managing director Shaun Bunn commented: "Having clearly demonstrated through our successful exploration campaigns the global significance of this giant, titanium-rich mineral system, we are now focused on the economic development of the Pitfield Project.
“This next phase of drilling will include both exploration and resource drilling to delineate high-grade, shallow zones of titanium mineralisation, providing key samples for mineralogical and metallurgical characterisation, with a view to establishing an economic processing route to produce high-value products.
"We are also extremely pleased that we have received a Western Australian Government grant for financial assistance for our Diamond Core drill hole programme, via the EIS.
“The Western Australian Government has several programmes to support development of new mines in the State, with a focus on critical minerals projects, noting that titanium is listed as a critical mineral by the Australian Government."