Andromeda Metals Ltd (ASX:ADN) has intersected broad kaolin during drilling at its 100%-owned Mount Hope Halloysite-Kaolin Project in South Australia.
Intersections of greater than 20 metres thickness of white kaolin were intercepted during an aircore drilling program comprising 40 holes for 1,383 metres.
The intersections are within the southern zone of the historical 12.26 million tonne kaolin resource previously determined by Abaleen Minerals in 1973.
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Mineralogical analysis by the South Australian Department of Mines and Energy in 1989 showed the presence of a significant amount of halloysite-kaolin, which was not suitable for use in paper applications and this is why the project was abandoned.
It was the significant levels of halloysite identified, similar to that found at the Poochera Project to the northwest, that attracted Andromeda to acquire the vacant ground.
Sample analysis
A total of 174 composite samples were collected for XRF and XRD analysis and reflectance testing in order to determine kaolinite and halloysite content.
The company expects results to take up to two months to complete.
This test work will also verify the central portion of the historical kaolin resource in order to estimate a revised mineral resource compliant with JORC 2012.
Andromeda’s Halloysite-Kaolin interests
Next steps
The company believes that the compelling visual observations from the drilling suggest that the kaolin mineralised zone remains open to the south and warrants follow-up drilling.
Andromeda also expects to report a new mineral resource following the receipt of final assay results.
Poochera JV
Planning is underway to undertake further drilling at Condooringie Prospect of the Poochera JV to follow-up on high-grade halloysite zone identified and announced by the company in March.
Work is also continuing with the Poochera project pre-feasibility study which is planned for release next month.