Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) has confirmed the presence of high-value heavy mineral sands (HMS) assemblages at its Wilan project in South Australia’s Eromanga Basin following the company’s maiden reconnaissance sampling program.
The early-stage exploration work identified zircon, rutile and ilmenite in stream sediment samples collected across the project area, supporting the basin’s growing reputation as a promising emerging HMS province.
Aruma said HMS assemblages were observed in concentrates from 11 of the 31 sites sampled during the initial reconnaissance program, which targeted drainage channels and prospective sedimentary units across its Wilan exploration licences EL6819 and EL6870.
Wilan Project map (EL6870 and EL6819) showing the 11 Sampling Locations and XRD assay results from the four selected samples (WP25001, WP25004, WP25008 and WP25009).
X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of selected samples returned several notable mineral assemblages, including:
- 6% zircon, 10% rutile and 3% ilmenite in sample WP25001;
- 2% zircon, 11% rutile and 6% ilmenite in sample WP25008;
- 2% zircon, 8% rutile and 3% ilmenite in sample WP25009.
XRD results from HM concentrates (HM % derived from HLS-heavy liquid separation).
These results came from a first-pass stream sediment sampling program designed to test the project’s heavy mineral potential following an independent geological review that highlighted its prospectivity.
Stream Sediment Panning Sample Collection on EL6870.
Reconnaissance program identifies multiple HMS occurrences
Fieldwork involved collecting sediment samples from creek beds and drainage channels, followed by panning to identify heavy mineral concentrations before laboratory testing.
Hole BPRM003 within the Core Library (left). Panning and logging of BPRM003 44-46m interval (right).
The samples were processed through heavy liquid separation and analysed using X-ray fluorescence and XRD techniques to determine mineral composition and concentrations.
Geological mapping during the program also examined prospective formations including the Cadna-owie Formation, Mount Anna Sandstone and Algebuckina Sandstone — sedimentary units interpreted to have formed along historic basin shorelines where heavy mineral sands can accumulate.
While the precise source of the heavy mineral assemblages has not yet been confirmed, the company believes potential accumulations may occur along basin margin strandlines or structural traps concealed beneath shallow cover.
Aruma said further geophysical work would be required to better define these potential targets.
Regional discoveries highlight basin potential
The Wilan project sits within the Eromanga Basin, part of the broader Great Artesian Basin system and historically explored mainly for oil, gas and uranium.
However, recent discoveries have highlighted the region’s emerging potential for heavy mineral sands deposits.
Notably, PTR Minerals’ Rosewood discovery and nearby work by Marmota Ltd have confirmed HMS mineralisation within early Cretaceous sedimentary units such as the Algebuckina Sandstone.
Exploration by Altitude Minerals on adjacent ground has also identified heavy mineral-bearing sands in similar geological settings, reinforcing the prospectivity of the basin’s marine and near-shore depositional environments.
Aruma believes these discoveries support the exploration potential of its Wilan tenure and indicate continuity of favourable sedimentary systems across the region.
Aruma Resources Wilan Project Regional Map.
Next exploration steps
Following the encouraging initial results, the company plans to advance exploration at Wilan through additional geophysical and drilling work.
Proposed next steps include:
- Reviewing regional airborne magnetic datasets to identify subtle anomalies linked to possible HMS deposits;
- Conducting passive seismic surveys to detect potential strandlines or headland trap features;
- Undertaking a potential aircore drilling program subject to geophysical results and approvals;
- Continuing regional geological assessments of HMS discoveries across the Eromanga Basin.
Portfolio update
Separately, Aruma has agreed to sell its non-core Melrose exploration licence in Western Australia’s Pilbara region to Bonaparte Aggregates Pty Ltd.
The divestment will deliver $30,000 in cash on settlement and a further $25,000 after 12 months, with a potential $200,000 milestone payment if a JORC-compliant gold resource of at least 200,000 ounces is defined at the project.
The company said the sale aligns with its strategy of rationalising its project portfolio and focusing resources on its core copper and gold exploration assets in Australia and Canada, including the Tillex copper project in Ontario’s Timmins district.
The Wilan project is located near the township of William Creek in South Australia, roughly 300 kilometres inland from the basin’s southwestern margin, where Aruma continues to assess the potential for concealed heavy mineral sands deposits across its exploration tenure.