Galena Mining Ltd (ASX:G1A, FRA:GM6) has identified new lead-silver and copper-gold targets across its Abra Project in Western Australia's Gascoyne region through electromagnetic surveys, which have confirmed the potential for both lateral and down-plunge extensions to mineralisation.
The results are from a downhole electromagnetic survey (DHEM) completed in May 2021 utilising the deepest drill hole ever drilled at the Abra deposit.
Downhole assays on the top graph for lead and copper, and the downhole gamma and resistivity survey results with the main lithological units identified.
Reviewing best way to test targets
Galena managing director Tony James said the identification of several new targets within reach of the proposed Abra mine highlighted the long-term potential associated with gaining access to the Abra ore body.
“Recent EM work shows multiple targets exist for both lead-silver and gold-copper mineralisation in and around the current Abra mineral resource and mine plan.
“The Abra JV will continually review and consider the best way to ultimately test these targets as it develops the Abra mine and the underground decline going down to the top of the Abra orebody which will enable us to develop new underground drilling locations that will provide a few different options to test some of these targets sitting below the current lead/silver mineralisation.”
Schematic cross-section of the geological model for the Abra deposit, showing the stratiform mineralisation domains (red) within the Apron Zone and the sub-vertical veining mineralisation domains (purple) within the Core Zone.
Geophysical consulting company Resource Potentials Pty Ltd was engaged in conjunction with Pilbara Wireline Services to conduct a downhole geophysical survey in drill-hole AB195.
The DHEM survey identified both in-hole and off-hole conductor sources which correlate with the conductivity responses and the resistivity survey of the known lead and copper mineralisation zones.
Downhole gamma and resistivity surveys were successful in identifying the zone of hydrothermal alteration and mineralisation within AB195, starting from 395 metres to 800 metres.
Two main target zones have been defined - the first associated with the 'Black Zone' in the Upper Irregully Domain unit between 350 metres to 450 metres and the second associated with the copper mineralisation between 700 metres and 800 metres.
DHEM survey results have also defined multiple target zones for copper-gold and lead-silver mineralisation extensions with lead-silver target zones identified north of the Abra fault and north of drill hole AB195.
Abra JV exploration targets
The continual work associated with the 2020 drilling program has developed the understanding and geological confidence associated with the Abra deposit and surrounding six exploration targets following a geological review of the 107 square kilometre tenement package.
The Abra JV remains focused on the development of the Abra mine through to the end of 2022.
All six priority targets sitting outside the Abra footprint in Genie, Jasmine, Lamplight, Sultan, Ale and Bazaar will continue to be explored under the timing and direction of the Abra JV partners.
Background
Since the company’s acquisition of Abra Mining Pty Limited (AMPL or the Abra JV) in 2016, an additional 64,000 metres of diamond drilling has been completed - bringing the total amount of drilling at Abra to more than 100,000 metres.
This represents almost two-thirds of drilling completed at Abra.
Drilling specifically targeted the resource development of the lead-silver mineralisation associated with the Abra feasibility study and the final investment decision to develop the Abra Mine.