Eclipse Metals (ASX:EPM) has generated anomalies from a gravity surveys at its Mary Valley Manganese Project located 14 kilometres southwest of Gympie in Queensland.
The surveys were taken over three areas that host known manganese deposits where historical high-grade manganese production has occurred.
The primary objective of the surveys was to generate manganese targets near pre-existing workings.
Importantly, the potential to develop a direct shipping ore (DSO) manganese mining operation at the project area has been further enhanced by these results.
Full results from the survey remain pending and drilling will be planned upon their receipt.
Historically, circa 32,000 tonnes of ore has been mined from the area with a manganese grade ranging from 42% to 51% manganese.
The historical assays indicate that silica, iron and phosphate levels are all within direct shipping ore parameters, which supports the potential for stand-alone mining operations.
Eclipse’s geological surveys have indicated the structural potential for the development of circa 167,000 tonnes of high grade manganese mineralisation within 15 metres from surface.
Geological mapping suggests that the observed mineralised formations could have a larger aerial extent and continue to a greater depth.
Manganese is one of the important metals for lithium-ion cathodes and is also a cheaper metal with a substantial market potential for the battery industry and the iron/steel market.
As the demand for cleaner energy is growing, Eclipse is focused on delivering value by exploring its manganese and uranium projects in the Northern Territory and Queensland.
The company’s share price has increased by 75% in 2017, last trading at $0.007.