Firefinch (ASX:FFX) has uncovered more high-grade gold during its latest exploration campaign at the operating Morila Gold Project in Mali.
Over the course of infill and extensional reverse circulation (RC) drilling at the Viper mineralised system, Firefinch intersected a best result of 6 metres at 11.34 g/t gold from 74 metres, including 2 metres at 29.2 g/t in hole VIPRC121.
Ultimately, the latest batch of assays suggest the Viper deposit could add greater value to Firefinch’s near-term mining schedule at 'Morila the Gorilla' following the confirmation of a high-grade gold shoot.
Fresh gold results will be included in a revised mineral resource estimate, which will then form part of the broader Morila life of mine update.
“Viper continues to grow”
Firefinch managing director Dr Michael Anderson said the latest results from the Viper deposit were “outstanding”.
“The scale of the mineralised system at Viper continues to grow with each drill hole.
“High-grade zones under the pit also suggest that Viper can potentially make a more significant contribution to our near-term mining schedule.
“During my recent visit to site, we discussed and agreed plans to expedite the commencement of mining at Viper.”
A new campaign
The Viper system, just 27 kilometres northwest of Morila, has undergone a broad range of exploration activity since the mid-2000s.
Firefinch refocused its attention on the deposit earlier this year with a 43-hole RC program, uncovering mineralisation that continued below the system’s open pit.
To follow up on this discovery and test extensions to the south, the explorer has since drilled 53 holes, for 7,011 metres across the mineralised system.
Some of the highlights from today’s report include:
- 9 metres at 6.78 g/t gold from 54 metres, including 1-metre at 36.9 g/t;
- 1-metre at 36.5 g/t from 51 metres; and
- 6 metres at 9.69 g/t from 60 metres, including 1-metre at 15.9 g/t.
New gold targets
Broadly, the latest assays confirm a high-grade gold shoot at Viper extends at least 100 metres in strike and 75 metres down dip below the current pit, remaining open at depth.
Additionally, a new mineralised area known as the Adder shoot has been uncovered 120 metres east of Viper’s southern portion.
While mineralisation is poorly defined, Firefinch believes Adder could become a target for further exploration.
Overall, Firefinch believes the mineralised system at Viper runs for around 1.6 kilometres, with mineralisation defined to around 80 metres and remaining open at depth.
What’s next?
To capitalise on momentum at Viper, Firefinch intends to expedite drilling activity.
Initially, the explorer will test mineralisation down dip and down plunge of the latest results and conduct an infill program to provide control data for near-surface assays.
Simultaneously, the new gold hits will update a mineral resource estimate at the deposit, with an increase in classification, tonnage and grade anticipated.
Firefinch has already selected a mining contractor to kickstart work in the coming weeks, with much more exploration on the horizon at the emerging gold system.