West Wits Mining Ltd (ASX:WWI) is encouraged by the results of a review of regional data that highlights the gold and base metals prospectivity of the Mt Cecelia project in Western Australia.
The project is on the boundary of the copper-gold rich Paterson Province and the older Pilbara Craton, both of which are prospective for differing styles of gold and base metals.
Region attracts attention
This region has been attracting plenty of attention in recent months, including from global mining major Rio Tinto plc (LON:RIO), and West Wits has been monitoring the increased activity.
Paterson Province is prospective for gold and copper, including operations such as Metal X Limited’s (ASX: MLX) Nifty copper mine and Newcrest Mining Limited’s (ASX:NCM) Telfer gold mine.
West Wits Exploration director Dr Andrew Tunks said: “Recent exploration activity throughout the Paterson Province has confirmed the exciting prospectivity of the Mt Cecelia Exploration Licence Application (ELA).
“For some time there have been rumours of Rio Tinto making a significant copper-gold discovery to the east of Mt Cecelia.”
Rio Tinto has increased its tenement area from around 1,000 square kilometres to more than 11,000 square kilometres in the region.
Mt Cecelia and neighbouring East Kimberley tenements.
Four of Rio’s applications adjoin Mt Cecelia, encompassing more than 60% of the project’s border area.
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Tunks added: "A spectacular intersection of gold and copper by Greatland Gold PLC (LON:GGP) to the east of Telfer confirms the Paterson Province as host to further globally significant Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) systems.
Two mineralisation styles
Mt Cecelia’s north-eastern portion is prospective for IOCG mineralisation found throughout Paterson Province, including Greatland’s intersection of 275 metres at 4.77 g/t gold and 0.61% copper at the Haverion prospect.
A significant magnetic anomaly within the Mt Cecelia project area indicates increased prospectivity for IOCG mineralisation.
The south-western portion is underlain by rocks of the Pilbara Craton and is prospective for the style of conglomerate-hosted gold mineralisation recently discovered throughout the Pilbara.
This includes Novo Resources Corp’s (CVE:NVO) Beatons Creek project.
Stratigraphy map of Mt Cecelia’s tenement area.
Tunks said: “Mt Cecelia sits on the contact zone between two well-endowed gold provinces, it also covers the most prominent magnetic high on the eastern edge of the Paterson Province, an exciting sign to the possible presence of an IOCG system.”
Mt Cecelia project is about 150 kilometres ENE of Marble Bar, 150 kilometres NW of Telfer Mine and 120 kilometres NNW of Nifty Mine and in proximity to infrastructure.
The Braeside project, held by Rumble Resources Ltd (ASX:RTR), is immediately south of the project area.
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West Wits’ discussions with one of the two Native Title Parties has resulted in the withdrawal of that party’s objection to West Wits ELA.
The company is continuing to work with the remaining Native Title Party through the National Native Title Tribunal process and is confident in reaching an outcome that benefits both parties.