Apollo Minerals Limited (ASX:AON) is set to begin an exploration program at the Kroussou zinc-lead project in western Gabon.
Kroussou is a significant, large scale, near surface zinc-lead project with exploration to date validating the province-scale base metal potential.
Apollo’s initial exploration program will focus on defining sufficient shallow (open-pittable), high grade zinc-lead mineralisation to justify commencement of feasibility studies.
The exploration is expected to commence quickly given the existence of local drilling contractors, existing site infrastructure and good access to drill targets using logging tracks.
Furthermore, Apollo’s existing French-speaking team will be combined with local Gabonese teams to rapidly begin work at the Kroussou Project.
The proposed work plan for the Kroussou Project includes:
- Mobilise drill rigs to conduct infill and extensional drilling program at the Dikaki Prospect before the end of the dry season in late September if possible;
- Rank and prioritise exploration targets across the project area based on historical data;
- Conduct surface exploration programs comprising soil surveying, geological mapping, rock chip sampling further assess identified prospects and to generate new targets within the broader project area;
- Conduct ground geophysics to refine identified prospects and generate new targets;
- Plan for the mobilisation of a track-mounted reverse circulation (RC) rig suitable for a rapid drilling program over multiple channels;
- Create road access to new prospects in anticipation of an aggressive drill program;
- Continue metallurgical test work over all prospective targets to assess recovery characteristics, concentrate quality, and variability;
- Estimation and reporting of a mineral resource in accordance with the JORC Code; and
- Commence with feasibility studies.