Resource Minerals International Ltd (ASX:RMI) advanced exploration across its Saudi Arabia and Tanzania project portfolio during the March quarter, with geophysical surveys defining new drill targets and follow-up field programs now underway.
Projects location map.
Priority gold targets defined at Shaib Marqan
At the Shaib Marqan Project in Saudi Arabia, RMI completed a high-resolution ground magnetic survey over 91.88 square kilometres, covering 101 survey lines for 932 line kilometres. The work identified multiple lithologies and structural features, including 8 interpreted structures, and helped define four priority target zones prospective for gold mineralisation.
The company said the targets show a strong spatial relationship between magnetic anomalies and earlier high-grade surface sampling, which returned assays of up to 40.35 g/t gold.
Mapping and drilling planned
Follow-up work at Shaib Marqan will include 1:10,000 geological mapping and rock-chip sampling across priority zones. Subject to results, RMI plans an initial scout drilling program of up to 5,000 metres, supported by IP and resistivity surveys to test vertical continuity.
Fieldwork is expected to begin in the June quarter, with drilling targeted for the September quarter.
Copper-molybdenum potential at Wadi Salamah
At Wadi Salamah, also in Saudi Arabia, RMI completed processing and interpretation of a 1,010 line-kilometre ground magnetic survey after quarter-end. The survey identified six major fault structures and two large magnetic anomalies in the northern sector, interpreted as potential intrusive bodies prospective for copper-molybdenum mineralisation.
The work divided the project into northern and southern target areas. The northern area includes copper-molybdenum targets associated with magnetic anomaly contact zones and possible intrusive source rocks, while the southern area remains prospective for structurally controlled gold-silver mineralisation.
Drilling to test gold and base metal targets
RMI is finalising a 5,000-metre diamond and reverse circulation drilling program at Wadi Salamah to test both the depth extensions of surface gold mineralisation and the core copper-molybdenum targets.
1:1 million scale regional geology Shaib Marqan and Wadi Salamah license areas.
Mpanda survey refines copper-gold targets
In Tanzania, RMI completed a detailed drone magnetic survey at its 75%-owned Mpanda Project, covering the Kabungu, Ibindi and Kabatini prospects. The survey collected 914 line kilometres of high-resolution data and was designed to refine copper-gold targets previously defined by soil geochemistry, mapping, rock-chip sampling and RC drilling.
The survey confirmed structural settings at all 3 prospects, including shear zones, fault intersections and magnetic lows interpreted as possible conduits for hydrothermal fluids.
Field checks ahead of Q3 drilling
RMI has begun field verification work to rank targets ahead of a planned 6,000–10,000-metre aircore and RC drilling program, with drilling anticipated in the September quarter.
Lithium drilling to resume in Finland
In Finland, the company started shallow drilling at the Köyhäjoki lithium exploration permit, targeting 123 holes for 720 metres. The program was paused due to difficult weather and is planned to recommence in the June quarter.
RMI spent about $399,000 on exploration during the quarter and ended March with $212,000 in cash, plus $5 million in unused financing facilities.