Alligator Energy Ltd (ASX:AGE) has shared first assay results from rock chip samples grading up to 2.48% nickel 0.17% cobalt and 0.13% copper at the Piedmont cobalt-nickel earn-in project in northern Italy.
This result revealed by Alligator and earn-in/JV partner Chris Reindler and Partners (CRP) is from on-ground geochemical sampling at Alpe Cevia prospect.
Alpa Cevia is part of the Alpe Laghetto licence, along with the Alpe Laghetto and La Balma prospects which also returned gradings higher than 1% nickel.
A standout Alpe Laghetto result featured 1.56% nickel, 0.13% cobalt and 0.10% copper while a La Balma result graded 1.03% nickel, 0.10% cobalt and 0.08% copper.
A north-south La Balma-Laghetto trend of intermittently outcropping mineralisation extends over a strike length of about 2 to 3 kilometres.
Significant metal grades in the assays from the three prospects ranged from 0.19% to 2.48% nickel, 0.02-0.17% cobalt, and 0.07-0.98% copper.
‘Massive sulphide mineralisation’
The company reported mapping and sampling verified massive sulphide mineralisation that outcropped intermittently.
Alligator chief executive Greg Hall said: “These first assay results have verified that we are looking at significant nickel-cobalt-copper mineralisation within an extensive system.”
Hall said geophysicists would continue to test the continuity of mineralisation.
The company has received 72 assays from 165 rock chips collected, with the remainder expected by next month.
Twelve more samples have been collected for petrographic studies.
Italian joint venture
Alligator is earning into a 51% project stake through the AGE EV Metals S.r.L. joint venture by spending up to $650,000 during a two-phase program.
Another $1.25 million work program will buy Alligator a 70% stake.
Alligator and CRP have also agreed to collaborate on other Italian nickel-cobalt-copper projects.