Apollo Minerals Limited (ASX:AON) has received positive sample results of up to 20.16% combined zinc and lead in recent surface exploration at Kroussou project in western Gabon, Africa.
A program of geological mapping, rock chip and soil sampling was carried out across three target prospects - Niamabimbou, Dignali and Ofoubou.
Other notable results include 15.20%, 10.71%, 8.15%, 7.98%, 7.84% and 7.14% combined zinc-lead.
Drilling programs are being designed to focus on defining shallow, open-pittable, high-grade mineralisation to justify the commencement of feasibility studies.
Apollo intends to mobilise drill rigs to site in the coming months.
Niamabimbou prospect
At Niamabimbou, 556 points of observation were mapped, 92 outcrops sampled and 75 rock chip samples sent for analysis.
Rock samples on the northwest rim of the Niamabimbou channel returned 7.84% and 10.71% combined zinc-lead and the eastern rim returned high values with 7.98% combined zinc-lead and the richest outcrops of 15.20% and 20.16%.
A total of 410 soil samples were collected with anticipated results in late February.
Kroussou Project Location Plan
Dignali and Ofoubou prospects
Programs of geological mapping, rock chip and soil sampling were also carried out at Dignali and Ofoubou prospects with a total of 116 soil samples collected.
At Dignali, 72 points of observation were mapped and six mineralised outcrops sampled with assays pending while a new 100 by 100-metre soil grid was sampled.
Soil sampling at Ofoubou was carried out on a 100 by 200-metre grid covering the southern side of the channel.
Results from Dignali and Ofoubou sampling are anticipated in late February.
Zinc recovery
An initial metallurgical test work program in 2018 produced separate, high-grade, high-recovery zinc and lead concentrates with very low deleterious/penalty elements.
Antimony, arsenic, bismuth and mercury impurities were all below the detection limit.
The independent test work resulted in production of lead concentrate up to 79% lead with the overall un-optimised lead concentrate grading in excess of 70% lead with greater than 90% recovery.
Zinc concentrate of up to 58% zinc was produced with overall zinc concentrate grading 53% zinc at 65% recovery and the majority of the zinc losses reported to the lead rougher concentrate.
Of the zinc reporting to the zinc rougher, 90% was recovered while further optimisation on zinc depression in the lead rougher is expected to greatly improve overall zinc recovery.
Kroussou Project Prospects
Earn-in agreement
Apollo entered into an earn-in agreement (EIA) with Trek Metals Limited (ASX:TKM) to earn-in an interest of up to 80% in the Kroussou project on September 3, 2019.
The EIA is subject to a number of conditions and Apollo will progressively earn its interest upon meeting expenditure milestones.