West Wits Mining Limited’s (ASX:WWI) second site visit to the Tambina Project in the Pilbara region has returned visible gold nuggets and in-pan concentrates.
The results highlight gold mineralisation may be more extensive than initially envisaged, warranting an expanded field trip to confirm if small-scale mining operations can re-start.
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The geology team spent several days at the Tambina project in mid-April focused on the centre and south-east sections of the tenure.
The objective of the trip was to follow up on areas that have been previously identified as highly prospective for gold mineralisation.
Ten samples (20-kilogram bags) were collected, with all returning visible gold in pan concentrates comprising particles ranging from fine to ≤ 1millimetre and occasional grain ≤ 3 millimetres.
Using a detector, nine nuggets were found in the soil nearby with the largest 3.2 grams and the remainder ≤ 1 gram.
Significance of in-pan concentrates and nuggets
With the discovery of fine gold from the in-pan concentrates and nuggets, the geology team believes there is sufficient anecdotal evidence to confirm an in-situ formation rather than one transported in.
Consequently, this means gold mineralisation could be more extensive than initially expected.
In turn, this is the first positive concrete step, albeit small, towards re-commencing small-scale mining operations at Tambina.
Assay results awaited to draw more definitive conclusions
West Wits chairman Michael Quinert said: “The notable feature from the geology team’s second field visit to the Tambina project is the discovery of gold in all twenty samples.
“While assay results are necessary to draw more definitive conclusions, the preliminary view is the gold mineralisation is likely extensive which is the first step towards potentially recommencing small-scale mining operations.”