Nexus Minerals Ltd (ASX:NXM) has completed multiple work programs and metallurgical studies for the Wallbrook Gold Project in Western Australia, making broad progress across the tenure.
A reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign for the Crusader and Templar prospects has begun, constituting 30,000 metres targeted at building the company’s geological knowledge of the prospects.
Metallurgical test-work results have now been received, returning positive data with high gold recoveries - 98% recovery for oxide material and 97.6% recovery for fresh material.
Mineral consultation and petrology
Nexus has engaged mineral industry consultants Snowden Optiro to provide geological advisory services, while Dr Alicia Verbeeten has been engaged to provide on-site geological technical services.
Snowden Optiro is focused on translating the geological model into the most accurate grade and tonnage model which honours the sample data and its relationships
Dr Verbeeten has been studying the rocks and the alteration/mineralisation relationships of the Carosue Basin, and in particular the Karari gold mine, for more than 20 years.
The exploration model Nexus is using to explore the Wallbrook project is based on the geology, alteration assemblages and gold minerisation observed at the multi-million ounce Karari Gold Mine (Northern Star), 30 kilometres to the south.
This exploration model and the alteration assemblages at Karari are well understood and allow Nexus to have an exploration model for the rocks and alteration required to host a significant gold deposit.
The four alteration assemblages displayed in the shallow part of diamond drill hole #4 (below), are also the four alteration types that host the Karari gold mine and continue to provide Nexus with evidence that it is drilling in a large mineralised system.
Forward work programs
Nexus has completed planning for a further 4,000 metres of RC drilling at the Solomon prospect, which sits along the same structural trend as the Templar prospect and strongly exhibits the correct magnetic signature, gravity low position and structural setting for a highly prospective target.
The company has identified a second structural trend about 1.5 kilometres to the east of the corridor containing the Crusader-Templar, Solomon and Branches prospects.
Nexus will now undertake gravity surveying across the complete eastern area, exploring for further gravity low corridors. Contractors have already been engaged for this program.
A 50-person on-site camp has been established to aid in these work programs, and Nexus’ assay laboratory advises there will be at least a 13 week turnaround for receipt for assay results.
About Nexus Minerals
Nexus Minerals is a well-funded resource company with a portfolio of gold projects in Western Australia and a well-credentialed board, assisted by an experienced management team.
The company has recently expanded its existing project portfolio with the addition of the option to purchase the Bethanga Porphyry Copper-Gold project in Victoria.
Nexus has been actively investing in new exploration techniques to refine the targeting approach for its current and future tenements, including the use of spectral data.