Westar Resources Ltd (ASX:WSR) has confirmed the potential for significant copper-zinc mineralisation from its maiden reverse circulation (RC) drill program at the Gidgee North Project in the Meekatharra-Sandstone region of Western Australia.
Westar geologists prioritised several intervals of single-metre RC split samples over three RC drill holes for laboratory analysis to verify mineralisation identified by portable X-ray fluorescence analysers (pXRF) last month.
The latest laboratory assays include (using a 0.1% zinc and/or 0.1% copper cut-off and a minimum 4 metre interval with maximum of 2 adjoining metres of internal dilution):
- GNRC0013: 7m (metres) @ 0.18% Zn (zinc) from 103m (100-116m submitted)
- GNRC0015: 15m @ 0.23% Cu (copper) from 80m (80-96m submitted)
- GNRC0016: 54m @ 0.19 % Zn from 252m (252-306m (EOH) submitted)
Phase 1 RC drill hole locations.
Westar managing director Karl Jupp said: “Assay results of prioritised samples from the phase 1 RC drilling campaign have validated our earlier reported pXRF analysis conducted during drilling, and further support the interpretation of a fertile paleo-volcanic exhalative seafloor system.
“The DHEM modelling and multi-element geochemical analysis of phase 1 drilling is underway to determine vectors to potential high-grade mineralisation and refine priority drill targets ahead of the phase 2 program.”
Next steps
All samples of the phase 1 drilling program have been received by a commercial Perth laboratory for multi-element assaying, including gold.
Westar geologists in consultation with geophysical experts (Newexco) and geochemical experts (PGN Geoscience) will analyse the recently obtained drilling datasets (including final assays, once received) to characterise the nature of the sulphide mineralisation and establish vectors to potential high-grade mineralisation.
This will assist in positioning phase 2 drill holes in locations that the company believes have the highest probability of intersecting copper and zinc sulphide mineralisation.
Phase 2 of drilling will be designed, considering a combination of both RC and diamond drilling.