Strategic Elements Ltd (ASX:SOR) has completed induced polarisation (IP) surveys at its Ilkurlka and Lennis projects in the Gibson Desert, where it has discovered two large multi-ringed magnetic features with potential sulphide zones.
The key objective of the surveys was to investigate the presence of chargeable bodies in the target areas, which may indicate zones of disseminated sulphides with potential to host nickel-copper-gold mineralisation.
The magnetic ring features were identified in early October using land-based gravity surveys and 3D inversion modelling which indicated substantial gravity anomalism and structural zones.
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Strategic Elements managing director Charles Murphy said on discovery of the rings that they had assisted the company in generating target zones for nickel-copper-gold sulphide mineralisation.
He said: “We know true greenfield exploration such as this has very high risks, but the rewards for discovering a large base metal-rich sulphide deposit, for example Sirius Resources or Sandfire Resources, is also very, very high.”
IP surveys are used to highlight mineral horizons that are chargeable and resistive.
Disseminated sulphide minerals hold an electric charge for a few milliseconds longer than non-sulphide minerals.
Historical gold soil anomalies over magnetic image of Ilkurlka
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At Ilkurlka, Strategic defined a previously unidentified dense body of material buried within the roughly 15-kilometre diameter ring structure.
Results from Lennis indicated 11 potential igneous intrusions or alteration zones and eight potential structural targets within the roughly 20-kilometre diameter ring structure.
Experts are divided on whether the multi-ringed magnetic features are caused by the impact of a meteorite, by an igneous intrusion, or a mineral alteration system.
Gravity anomalies are common to many of these models and examples of world-class mineral deposits exist.