Burley Minerals Ltd (ASX:BUR) has identified several electromagnetic (EM) anomalies at the Yerecoin Project in Western Australia
In addition to the development potential of the magnetite deposits at the Yerecoin Project, Burley has begun evaluating the nickel-copper-PGE exploration potential at Yerecoin.
The Jimperding Metamorphic Belt is an emerging nickel-copper-PGE province, with the recent discovery by Chalice Mining Limited of their Julimar Nickel-Copper-PGE Project and the appraisal of the Yarrawindah Brook Ni-CuPGE mineralisation by Caspin Resources Limited, some 15 kilometres to the west.
This is the first major exploration program completed at the Yerecoin Project since 2012 and the first exploration for nickel-copper-PGE mineralisation.
Further follow-up EM surveys
Burley managing director Gary Powell said: “We are very pleased with the survey having identified a number of electromagnetic VTEM anomalies.
“We know the project comprises ultramafic rock units with copper and nickel-sulphides identified in drill core, so the EM survey results are particularly exciting.
“We are now planning follow up ground EM surveys to verify the conductors and better define drill targets.”
Burley is planning an infill and extension ground geophysics survey involving Fixed Loop Time Domain Electromagnetic (FLTEM) and Moving Loop Time Domain Electromagnetic (MLTEM) surveys.
The follow-up FLTEM/MLTEM surveys will be planned to better define the anomalies and generate drill targets.
Results and technical discussion
The survey was flown in March 2021 and a total 651 line kilometres of data was acquired using the helicopter-borne VTEM™ Max (Versatile Time Domain Electromagnetic) system of Geotech Ltd.
Interpretation of processed data has delineated eight bedrock conductors within the survey area and two of the EM anomalies are located at Yerecoin South, where the closest drill hole to YVC1 intersected ultramafic rock units beneath the BIF units.
Burley believes the results of the EM survey are highly encouraging, especially in the context of the recent successes of neighbouring explorers, such as Chalice Mining Ltd (ASX:CHN, OTCQB:CGMLF) and Caspin Resources Ltd (ASX:CPN).
Historical assaying returned anomalous nickel and cobalt values in variably serpentinised ultramafic units.
UTS Geophysics Pty Ltd was contracted to fly the helicopter-borne VTEMTM Max electromagnetic and magnetic geophysical survey.
Geophysical measurements were acquired approximately every 2-4 metres along the survey lines.
Next steps
Burley is conducting community and stakeholder engagement, whilst recent above average rainfall in the district is currently impeding access on the ground.
Field investigation of EM anomalies is planned to identify possible surface manifestation of mineralisation or other possible causes.
Follow-up ground-based MLTEM and FLTEM/MLTEM geophysical surveys are currently being planned to better define the anomalies and generate drill targets.