Viking Mines Limited (ASX:VKA) has secured drilling contractor to start the first phase 2,500 metres diamond drilling program and around 6,000 metres regional aircore (AC) program at First Hit project in Western Australia in the first quarter of 2021.
Multi-stage diamond and AC drilling programs are being finalised to test for structural repeats and extensions of the First Hit mineralised structure.
This coupled with the completion of a gravity survey across the tenements follows the company’s strategy to aggressively explore and advance the projects in its West Australian portfolio.
“Rapidly advance our exploration activity”
Viking’s CEO Julian Woodcock said: “With the completion of the acquisition of Red Dirt Mining and the First Hit project, I am excited that we have made significant advancements to get on the ground quickly and rapidly advance our exploration activity.
“The delivery of the DD and AC program will allow Viking to quickly expand our knowledge of the First Hit project pipeline, and with successful results deliver value to shareholders via the drill bit.”
Fieldwork & Program preparation
Multiple phased fieldwork programs are being planned to rapidly assess and test the First Hit project area.
These programs are being designed to run concurrently to:
- Test the underground mine extensions at the First Hit gold mine;
- Commence exploration for additional mineralised gold shoots across the landholding; and
- Enhance the Company’s understanding of the geology.
Gravity Survey
A gravity survey has been completed over the First Hit project tenure with an initial phase of data collection at 200 metres x 50 metres.
The data is being processed and will be provided to Viking for evaluation in early February.
The new gravity maps will assist in the detailed regional geological interpretation which is underway and will allow Viking to identify and prioritise targets and develop an understanding of the controls of mineralisation.
Diamond drill program
A comprehensive phase 1 diamond drill program has been designed to test the mineralisation at First Hit and is estimated to incorporate around 11 diamond holes for around 2,500 metres.
This program is strategically designed to test for extensions of mineralisation along strike and down plunge and to determine the geochemical fingerprint of mineralisation to assist in regional aircore program interpretation to identify the mineralised structures.
A DD contractor has been secured and will start as soon as DD planning has been completed and drill pads prepared.
First Hit Gold project location and proximity to gold projects and processing plants
Aircore drilling program
The phase1 regional AC program has been designed to cover the First Hit tenements on a nominal 400 metres x 50 metres drill spacing with follow up program to be designed based on results.
The phase 1 program is estimated to incorporate around 300 holes for around 6,000 metres to drill through transported cover sequences and weathered rock to obtain top of fresh rock samples and test geochemical anomalies identified in the historical soil/auger datasets.
The main objective of the AC drill program is to build an understanding of the geology and to vector towards follow up bedrock targets.
This strategy is based around the objective of identifying and tracing the fertile structures hosting the First Hit mineralisation.
Interpretation of the airborne magnetics has identified potential structural positions which will be tested by the AC drilling.
Whilst gold values from the AC drilling will provide immediate follow-up targets, applying the geochemical fingerprint that is to be determined from the DD programme will allow the identification of broader halo anomalies of other pathfinder elements.
Next steps
The main priority over the coming weeks is to complete all the necessary works to commence the drill programmes on time, safely and effectively.
Viking is focussed on refining and finalising the technical aspects of the DD and AC drill programmes and all data are being incorporated into the planning process and undergoing final checks.
Follow up phases of DD and AC drilling are being planned and may continue directly after phase 1 results are received and assessed.
Viking is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation with regards to planned work programmes.
Fieldwork will only take place subject to following government advice and requirements concerning the recently announced lockdown in the SW region of WA.