Dalaroo Metals Ltd (ASX:DAL) has expanded the copper-nickel geochemical footprint at its 100%-owned Watheroo Project in Western Australia after Stage 1 soil sampling extended the known copper anomaly by about two square kilometres to the south.
The 106-sample program returned peak values of 284 parts per million (ppm) copper and 176 ppm nickel, alongside values of up to 10 parts per billion (ppb) platinum, 10 ppb palladium and 10 ppb gold.
Results show a spatial relationship between the copper-nickel soil response, mapped mafic-ultramafic rocks and an underlying magnetic feature, which Dalaroo believes supports its interpretation of a larger intrusive system.
The company cautioned that soil geochemistry alone does not demonstrate the presence, grade or continuity of sulphide mineralisation at depth.
Stage 1 soil-sample results and historical copper soil geochemistry at the Watheroo prospect. The cyan dashed polygon outlines the interpreted southern extension of the copper soil geochemical response. The approximate 2 km² area was calculated in QGIS using the 40 ppm Cu contour and the GDA2020 / MGA Zone 50 projected coordinate system.
Stage 1 extends Watheroo target
Stage 1 was designed to test the southern extension of historical copper-nickel soil anomalies at Watheroo.
Sampling has expanded the area enclosed by the 40 ppm copper contour by around 2 square kilometres, while the broader exploration target is associated with an approximately 7-kilometre by 3-kilometre magnetic feature.
Copper and nickel responses overlap across several parts of the interpreted intrusive target and correspond with the broader magnetic anomaly, helping Dalaroo identify areas for follow-up sampling and ground geophysics.
CEO John Morgan said the results had extended the copper and nickel response south of the historical sampling area and provided a clearer focus for follow-up exploration.
“Peak results of 284 ppm copper and 176 ppm nickel are encouraging and, together with the broader multi-element response, provide a clear focus for follow-up work,” Morgan said.
Stage 1 results and historic soil geochemistry overlain on regional geology (Moora 250k) – Watheroo Prospect.
About the Watheroo Project
Watheroo is in the mid-north wheatbelt of Western Australia and is wholly owned by Dalaroo.
The prospect is centred on an interpreted mafic-ultramafic intrusive system, with mapping identifying olivine gabbro and serpentinite. The project sits along the western margin of the Yilgarn Craton and Dalaroo is targeting intrusive-related nickel-copper-PGE mineralisation.
Field mapping has also identified trace to minor disseminated sulphide minerals within mapped mafic-ultramafic rocks, although these observations have not been confirmed through laboratory or mineralogical analysis.
Hand-auger soil sampling at the Watheroo prospect.
Next steps
Dalaroo plans to complete approximately 360 remaining soil samples, extending coverage northward and infilling selected priority areas.
The company also plans high-resolution ground induced polarisation geophysics across selected parts of the 7-kilometre by 3-kilometre target to test for chargeable responses below the weathered zone.
Results from the geochemical and geophysical programs will be combined with geological and magnetic data to rank targets and determine whether maiden reverse circulation and/or diamond drilling is warranted.