Surefire Resources NL (ASX:SRN) has identified nickeliferous ultramafics from a high-resolution aeromagnetic survey and initial geological reconnaissance of the Kadji Project area in the Koolanooka Greenstone Belt of Western Australia.
The company’s aeromagnetic survey program has identified numerous areas that are the focus of first-pass geological reconnaissance
Notably, geological field reconnaissance has recorded highly anomalous ultramafic hosted nickel samples from pXRF readings where previously unknown pegmatites were discovered.
In addition, the first-pass interpretation of the data shows that mafic and ultramafic rocks are more common than what is shown on published geology maps.
Surefire’s field follow-up has confirmed the extensive presence of these greenstone lithologies – supporting the company’s view that Kadji is highly prospective for Julimar-style nickel-copper-PGE sulphide mineralisation.
“Promising prospect”
Surefire managing director Vladimir Nikolaenko said: “Verification of mafic and ultramafic lithologies in the Kadji area is very exciting as Kadji lies in the West Yilgarn Nickel-Copper-PGE Province, host to the newly discovered Julimar nickel-copper-PGE deposit.
“Surefire controls over 25 kilometres strike length of this under-explored area.
“Together with the gold and lithium potential of the lease, Kadji is shaping up to be a promising prospect for the company.”
Aeromagnetic survey
Surefire’s high resolution, low-level aeromagnetic survey on the Kadji tenements have identified numerous areas that are the focus of first-pass geological reconnaissance.
The initial assessment of the aeromagnetic data has identified four styles of mineralisation:
- Mafic-ultramafic layered intrusive complex giving rise to nickel-copper-PGE mineralisation similar to that seen at Julimar;
- Porphyry-related gold;
- Structure-related orogenic gold; and
- Pegmatite hosted lithium mineralisation.
Geological field reconnaissance
Surefire has undertaken geological field reconnaissance to assist in the interpretation of the aeromagnetic data.
While regional granite and granitic-gneiss outcrop most, due to their resistive nature, considerable evidence of mafics and ultramafic lithologies was found.
Significantly, previously unmapped pegmatites have been identified in the northwest of the project area which will be further assessed for possible lithium mineralisation.
Kadji project
Surefire’s Kadji project is in the West Yilgarn Nickel-Copper-PGE province, host to the recently discovered Julimar deposit
Kadji is along with the trend of the Julimar discovery and covers an area previously mapped as a block faulted gneiss surrounded by Yilgarn Craton granites.
Notably, this region has previously been overlooked by past explorers even though regional aeromagnetic data implied the presence of greenstones.