Anova Metals Ltd (ASX:AWV) has completed a comprehensive data review and targeting study at its Big Springs Gold Project in Nevada, USA, and finalised an extensive 2021 exploration program.
The centrepiece of this program is approximately 10,000 metres of resource extensional and new target drilling across high-priority targets identified in the targeting study.
This drilling is set to be complemented with expansive soil sampling and mapping in high-potential district areas over about 20 square kilometres.
Infill gravity and IP geophysics surveys will also be carried out aimed at detecting structures and covered sulphide mineralisation covering about 10 square kilometres.
Culmination of extensive review
Anova managing director and CEO Mingyan Wang said: “The completion of the Big Springs targeting study is the culmination of an extensive data review involving substantial and highly integrated geochemical, geophysical and geological analyses.
“We are fortunate to have had the leadership of Steve Garwin and the benefit of his deep Carlin-style, Nevada gold expertise, in conducting this modern, foundational assessment of Big Springs.
“We have been able to utilise the results of this targeting study to design an exploration program for this field season targeted at truly demonstrating the potential size of resource endowment that Big Springs possesses.
“We have been systematic in our target generation and ranking, and we will now be systematic in our testing of these opportunities.
“Exploration activities at Big Springs are expected to commence in September and we look forward to reporting to shareholders on our progress in delivering, and the key outcomes from, this extensive program.”
Targeting study
The style of gold mineralisation at Big Springs shares similarities to the nearby Jerritt Canyon gold operation and the world-class gold mines of the Carlin, Cortez and Getchell trends in Nevada.
Geophysical analysis of South Sammy, Mac Ridge, Beadles Creek demonstrates that mineralisation occurs close to gravity highs.
Following the criteria, the study has led to the identification of 18 high-priority near-mine targets and 41 high-potential district targets.
Near-mine targets
The 18 near-mine targets show potential to expand existing gold resources and delineate ore shoots with more than 5 g/t gold and zones of structural intersection.
Twelve of them are to test the deep extension of the high-grade shoots at North Sammy, four to expand mineralisation at South Sammy and two at Beadles Creek follow up historical drill holes.
Nine of the near-mine targets will be tested during the 2021 drilling program, including seven from North Sammy and two from Beadles Creek.
District targets
District targets are identified areas of anomalous gravity results and favourable geology for Carlin-style mineralisation.
The criteria for selecting district targets included a favourable broad-scale gravity signature, structural pathway-fault complexity and host rock reactivity.
Of the 41 district targets, 19 of the most compelling were highly recommended by Anova’s consultants for subsequent surface exploration and drilling activities.
Four of them within the mining permitted area will be tested by Anova’s RC drilling program this year while soil sampling, mapping, and geophysics survey are planned on other targets.