Apollo Minerals Ltd (ASX:AON) has uncovered sulphide base metal mineralisation at two new prospects within its province-scale Kroussou Zinc-Lead Project in Gabon.
The explorer returned up to 5.1% zinc and lead from surface rock samples at Target Prospect 1 — one of the 18 targets identified along the 80 kilometres of prospective strike at Kroussou.
Base metal mineralisation was also confirmed at Target Prospect 4 with surface rock chip samples grading up to 1.5% zinc and lead.
Now, maiden drilling has kicked off at target Prospect 13, while Apollo also plans to turn the soil at Kroussou’s eighth and ninth targets.
All eyes on Dikaki
In the meantime, drilling continues at the 11th target — better known as Dikaki — as Apollo works to expand the high-grade base metal trends unearthed in previous drilling.
The explorer reported new assay results from seven drill holes at the target, which fielded:
- 4.3 metres at 5% zinc and lead from 59.1 metres; and
- 8 metres at 3% zinc and lead from 82.2 metres, both within a broader zone of 49.3 metres at 1.7% zinc and lead from 40.9 metres.
What’s next?
Apollo is preparing to conduct an airborne electromagnetic survey preparation at Kroussou, with flight operations expected to begin this month.
The survey will cover the entire Kroussou prospective area, including all 18 target prospects along the 80-kilometre strike length.
Notably, the survey data could identify more shallow, high-grade mineralisation — similar to that already discovered at the Dikaki and Niamabimbou prospects.
In the meantime, regional exploration continues, with plans in place to conduct reconnaissance mapping, soil and surface rock chip sampling at all target prospect areas.
Results from these programs, combined with passive seismic and survey data, are expected to generate regional drill targets at Kroussou.
Exploration “at an exciting stage”
Speaking to the findings, Apollo Minerals managing director Neil Underwood said: “Zinc and lead mineralisation has been confirmed at surface at two further target prospects at Kroussou.
“Our exploration program is at an exciting stage as we continue to receive positive drilling results from Dikaki while also expanding the known mineralisation across Kroussou with regional discoveries.
“The airborne electromagnetic survey results have the potential to significantly advance our understanding of the potential of the emerging base metal province along the extensive 80-kilometre Kroussou trend.”