Latin Resources Ltd (ASX:LRS)’s final XRD results further confirm the continuity of high‐grade and thickness of the halloysite-bearing kaolinised granite at the Cloud Nine Halloysite‐Kaolin deposit in Western Australia.
Ongoing analysis of the infill drilling required to update the existing Cloud Nine JORC mineral resource estimate (MRE) will be completed using the alternate analysis pathway, which is anticipated to significantly improve the results delivery timeframe.
A specialised drilling contractor has been secured to complete geotechnical drilling and metallurgical drilling at the Cloud Nine deposit, with drilling scheduled to commence in February.
Upgrade to maiden JORC
Latin Resources exploration manager Tony Greenaway said: “Our field team has been busy back out on-site as of last week at Cloud Nine, collecting samples for additional metallurgical test work.
“We will continue to progress our detailed studies at Cloud Nine over the next quarter, including work on an upgrade to the maiden JORC Inferred Mineral Resource, along with geotechnical and other mining-related studies.
“We plan to have drilling rigs back out on-site very soon to enable us to collect bulk samples; while in parallel we will also be commencing work on the longer lead time approvals required for development of the deposit, which include conversion of the existing exploration licences to mining licences and baseline environmental studies.”
Final halloysite results
The last 13 drill holes to be analysed from the close‐spaced drilling, have returned consistent halloysite grades and thicknesses, further confirming the high quality of the area tested.
The recent results also confirmed the continued presence of two discreet zone of halloysite bearing material within the kaolinised granite clays.
Exceptionally high‐grade halloysite intersections, including 36% and 46% halloysite, were encountered within the broader zones.
Significant results received from the southern portion of the Geostatistical Cross include:
➢ 6 metres at 24% halloysite from 7 metres and 13 metres at 18% halloysite from 21 metres;
➢ 16 metres at 27% halloysite from 14 metres;
➢ 12 metres at 16% halloysite from 19 metres Including 2 metres at 28% halloysite from 21 metres;
➢ 6 metres at 26% halloysite from 14 metres Including 2 metres at 36% halloysite from 16 metres;
➢ 18 metres at 26% halloysite from 7 metres Including 6 metres at 46% halloysite from 17 metres;
➢ 20 metres at 13% halloysite from 8 metres; and
➢16 metres at 12% halloysite from 8 metres.
Geotechnical drilling
A specialist drilling contractor has been engaged to complete around 400 metres of drilling using the sonic drilling technique, at representative locations within the Cloud Nine Mineral Resource area.
The sonic drilling system has demonstrated elsewhere that it can provide competent core samples of kaolinised granite like that found within Cloud Nine.
The core samples will be used to determine, a deposit specific, bulk density for the geological domains used in the current JORC MRE at Cloud Nine, along with providing additional samples material for the company’s ongoing metallurgical test work.
Drilling is scheduled to commence in late February 2022.
Halloysite research update
Bulk samples required for studies by the company’s research partner, CRC CARE Pty Ltd are currently being collected from drill samples on site.
This will enable the commencement of the highly specialised test work as part of the company’s collaboration with CRC CARE, in an effort to develop critical methane and other greenhouse gas (GHG) capture technology.
This collaboration between Latin and CRC CARE is a significant investment by the company.