Astro Resources NL (ASX:ARO) is encouraged by the initial signs revealed in ongoing diamond drilling at the Needles Gold Project in Nevada, USA.
The company last month intersected zones of propylitic alteration containing finely disseminated pyrite from its first drill hole, as well as veining with up to 10% pyrite, which is consistent with the main DC/IP chargeability anomaly that it is testing.
In drill hole 2, Astro has intersected 80 metres of andesite containing generally 5% to 10% of pyrite and a further 33 metres of brecciated andesitic volcanics containing up to 10% to 20% pyrite.
Looking ahead, the company expects initial assay results of priority samples from both drill holes during February.
Drill hole 1
Astro completed drilling drill hole 1 to a depth of 1,259 feet (384 metres) and intersected zones of propylitic alteration containing finely disseminated pyrite.
Aside from pyrite and minor marcasite, initial logging has not detected other sulphide minerals and, without assays, it is too early to determine if these rocks contain gold.
Drill hole 2
To date, Astro has completed 1,390 feet (424 metres) at drill hole 2 where it has also intersected pyritic intervals.
Within these pyritic intervals, propylitic alteration intensity was generally moderate to strong, with argillic and /or phyllic alteration encountered in the deepest intercepts
The strong pyrite content of both holes is consistent with the strong DC/IP chargeability anomaly but, until assays are received, the company cannot know whether or not there is gold mineralisation within the target zone.
Drilling recommenced on January 5, 2022, and the second hole has a planned depth of 2,000 feet (610 metres), by which point it is expected that the full thickness of the target volcanic sequence will have been tested.