BlackEarth Minerals NL (ASX:BEM) has unsurfaced significant Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic (VTEM™) targets during an airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey at its wholly-owned Donnelly River Project in WA.
During the survey, the ASX-lister found six follow-up targets that coincide with magnetic trends and/or mafic-ultramafic rocks at the nickel-copper-platinum group elements (PGE) asset.
The Donnelly River Project immediately adjoins the Thor and Odin nickel-copper-PGE prospects, recently identified by Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX:CHN) (OTCMKTS:CGMLF) and Venture Minerals Limited (ASX:VMS) (OTCMKTS:VTMLF) at their South West joint venture.
“An exciting outcome”
Commenting on the survey, BlackEarth managing director Tom Revy said: “While we are obviously still at a very early stage of exploration at our Donnelly River prospect, the identification of six follow-up VTEM targets coincident with magnetic trends and/or mafic-ultramafic rocks, is certainly an exciting outcome for us, as it demonstrates potential similarities with other large scale nickel sulphide discoveries in Western Australia.
“BlackEarth’s management and technical teams will now review next steps regarding Donnelly River in order to realise value for shareholders as soon as possible.”
Survey says …
Promisingly, BlackEarth’s AEM survey has identified a number of significant conductors that warrant more detailed assessment and testing.
Southern Geoscience Consultants handled the survey’s data management and interpretation, while UTS Geophysics was responsible for carrying out the program at the Donnelly River prospect.
BlackEarth’s airborne survey covered the entire E70/4825 licence, spanning around 80 square kilometres, and was flown on 200-metre line spacing for 396 line kilometres.
Breaking down the six VTEM targets, the critical commodities explorer revealed:
- Targets 1 and 2 are considered high-priority VTEM targets based on their high amplitude, late-time conductance. Both are coincident with magnetic trends that potentially represent the targeted mafic-ultramafic rock types;
- Target 4 is of particular interest, even though it is only ranked as a moderate VTEM conductor as it is located within the geochemically anomalous, mapped mafic-ultramafic units identified at the Palgorup Prospect and;
- Targets 5 and 6 are moderate VTEM conductors, but their proximity to prospective magnetic trends, interpreted as potential mafic-ultramafic units, elevate their priority.
Ultimately, the results of this survey have provided areas BlackEarth with key areas of focus within the broader Donnelly River Project.
The company says each target will be assessed in detail, while follow-up programs — involving ground-based exploration — will be designed and implemented, subject to standard ground access protocols.