Aldoro Resources Ltd (ASX:ARN) has intersected magmatic sulphides at VC11 target within the Narndee Igneous Complex (NIC) in Western Australia.
The company’s exploration program at VC11 has returned visual sulphides and prospective rocks that extend the nickel prospectivity of the NIC out to VC11, 7 kilometres north-northwest of VC1.
Notably, a set of off-hole DHTEM models has been generated from the two holes in VC11, with drilling at these targets imminent.
VC11 results
Aldoro’s drilling at NDD0010 drilled to a depth of 225.8 metres intersected a thick package of variably mineralised high magnesium oxide ultramafics to 139.6 metres downhole.
At NDD0011, the hole intersected a thick package of high magnesium oxide ultramafics to a basal contact at 226 metres downhole.
The presence of nickel-copper magmatic sulphides confirms the VC11 area to be highly prospective, given its proximity to VC1, and this significantly, and objectively, expands the prospective footprint for nickel-copper deposits in the NIC.
Plan projection showing drill hole basal contact pierce points and collars of the VC11 target and the off-hole DHTEM target models outlined in red.
East1 visual results
Aldoro’s drilling program at East1 drilled to a depth of 354.8 metres intersected a package of felsic volcanics and felsic volcaniclastics, grading into felsic volcanics with interleaved mafic volcanics at depth.
Sulphides were intersected between 211.8 metres to 214.3 metres downhole, and 266.8 to 268.7 metres downhole.
These sulphide horizons could be a reasonable explanation for the East1 target; however, downhole EM will be completed on the hole to confirm the findings.
A follow-up hole will be considered if a robust off hole conductor is present at the level of the base metal sulphides intersected between 211.8 metres and 214.3 metres.
Cross-section of NDD0012 at 6803260m north (MGA50), the first hole into the East1 target.
VTEM and aeromagnetic dataset extensions
Aldoro has approved the VTEM extension survey which is now slated to begin in the March quarter of 2022.
Importantly, the survey is designed to screen the remaining areas of highly prospective stratigraphy and geochemistry results.
The proposed extensions are divided into priority 1 over nickel-copper-PGE magmatic sulphide style targets and priority 2 over copper-gold VHMS style targets.
Geological map of the NIC, showing the location of all relevant targets, proposed VTEM extension surveys and planned stratigraphic hole NDP0014.
High Power Fixed Loop EM
Aldoro’s observations indicate the potential for deeper highly conductive bodies in the area between the VC1 and VC11 targets, on the edge of a regional gravity high, with a coincident aeromagnetic high which are difficult to detect using the VTEM system.
Therefore, the company has begun a large High Power Fixed Loop Electromagnetics (HPFTLEM) to augment its surveying strategy.
A deep stratigraphic hole is planned for the HPFLTEM program, the hole will target the coincident gravity and aeromagnetic anomaly, directly between the VC3 and VC11 target at a planned depth of 650 metres.
Forward plan
The drill rig has now mobilised back to the VC1 target to target off-hole DHTEM responses generated from recent surveying.
Three off-hole and extension drill holes are planned at VC1, upon completion, the rig will mobilise back to VC11 to drill the off-hole target between NDD0010 and NDD0011.
After drilling at VC11, the rig will move to the deep stratigraphic hole located between VC3 and VC11.