NickelSearch Ltd (ASX:NIS) has received all data it needs from ultra-fine soil assays to advance an integrated and systematic exploration targeting study for its flagship Carlingup Project in Ravensthorpe, WA.
The results, along with ongoing exploration activities, will allow the company to refine, rank and prioritise its exploration targets across Carlingup.
“Rigorous and comprehensive” program
NickelSearch is embarking on a modern, rigorous and comprehensive exploration program across the entire tenement package.
It is the first time this land package has been consolidated under one company.
The company has recently completed an integrated targeting study based on key ingredients for significant komatiite-hosted nickel sulphide deposits.
This targeting work expands on the insights gained from an intensive nickel sulphide workshop conducted for NickelSearch by world-renowned nickel specialist Tony Donaghy from CSA Global in late 2021.
Drilling when conditions are right
NickelSearch managing director Nicole Duncan said: "The completion of this initial ranking of our exploration targets at Carlingup is a significant milestone for the exploration team and positions the company to commence drill testing the highest-ranked targets as soon as seasonal ground conditions are right and we have secured the necessary approvals for the proposed work program.
“This ranking model is dynamic and will be continuously updated as new knowledge is obtained from the ongoing work programs.
“The aim is to commence drilling these targets in the coming months. We are excited about exploring for new nickel sulphides at depth, with the framework in place that increases our opportunity for success.”
Nickel sulphide targeting study
The company’s recent integrated and systematic nickel sulphide targeting study has identified and prioritised more than 30 greenfield exploration targets across the total Carlingup Nickel Project tenement package, with 11 'Priority 1' targets.
This study also defined a highly prospective mineralised corridor at Carlingup South between RAV8 and RAV5 over a strike extent of 9 kilometres, with three drill-ready targets, subject to receiving necessary approvals and conducive ground conditions.
Targeting work has been enhanced by recently received ultra-fine soil assay results along the Carlingup South trend, returning highly anomalous Kambalda and Platinum Group Metals (PGM) responses which are indicative of komatiitic nickel sulphides at depth.
The company has also received encouraging aircore assays, soil geochemistry and recent magnetic interpretation at the John Ellis prospect, which indicate a 2.2-kilometre strike of the prospective basal contact concealed beneath cover and mineralised laterite that is a high priority target for follow up drilling.
Electromagnetic surveys underway
A downhole electromagnetic survey program is underway at several prospects to identify anomalies, with the aim of extending massive nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group element bearing sulphide mineralisation through a follow-up drill program.
Surveys have commenced at several prospects, RAV8, RAV5, RAV1 and RAV4 West, with the aim of extending known massive nickel sulphide mineralisation.
New exploration targets at Carlingup.
Exploration – next steps
The company is busy planning several concurrent programs, including a mapping program using airborne magnetic data across the project to better define the location of the prospective basal contact of the ultramafic host rocks.
A detailed airborne magnetic interpretation program will better define prospective sulphide channels in the ultramafic host units.
Program of Work applications have been made for priority target areas where the company intends to drill in the coming months.
Petrological work is underways at John Ellis to better understand the host rocks and their prospectivity for nickel sulphide mineralisation.
Medallion Metals watching
Fellow ASX-lister Medallion Metals Ltd (ASX:MM8) is keeping a close eye on NickelSearch's progress as it holds a 15.1% interest in the dedicated WA nickel sulphide explorer.
This investment had a value of approximately $3.5 million at the end of the March quarter.
Medallion acquired the interest in NickelSearch following the divestment of the RAV8 Nickel Project and certain mineral rights over select tenure in 2021.