Armada Metals Ltd (ASX:AMM) has intersected magmatic nickel-copper sulphides during phase one diamond drilling at the Nyanga Project in Gabon.
Mineralisation was observed in all 10 diamond drill holes at the Libonga North, Matchiti Central and Libonga South targets along the Libonga-Matchiti Trend (LMT).
Consequently, detailed core logging has confirmed that the LMT is a dynamic, multi-phased magma conduit system.
Moving forward, selected zones will be tested for potential platinum group element (PGE) endowment by laboratory analysis.
“Highly prospective province”
Armada managing director Dr Ross McGowan said: “Armada has delivered exciting initial technical results at the Nyanga Project, which have so far further demonstrated the potential of the project to host magmatic nickel-copper sulphides in this highly prospective province.
"In particular, the identification of significant volumes of magmatic sulphide mineralisation, near-surface, demonstrates that our technical team understands how to target this style of orogenic-associated magmatic sulphide.
"This successful start to our drilling program has not only proven that ore-forming processes have occurred, but that these results could potentially unlock the entire Libonga-Matchiti Trend, as well as other targets within our larger ground holding.
"We look forward to providing shareholders with exploration updates as our detailed interpretation continues and new programs are mobilised and thank you all for the continued support thus far.”
Drill program
Armada’s phase one diamond drill program is complete with a total of 3,240 metres drilled in 10 drill holes at the Libonga North, Matchiti Central and Libonga South targets.
All 10 holes intersected disseminated to strongly disseminated and blebby magmatic sulphide, with a typical magmatic assemblage of pyrrhotite and chalcopyrite.
The initial proof of concept LMT drill program has been completed, having achieved the objective of proving that magmatic sulphides, and potential ore-forming processes, are present at the Nyanga Project.
In particular, this program provides a comprehensive dataset that will significantly advance the project from a technical perspective.
Armada’s magmatic systems consultant Richard Hornsey said: “We are seeing all the signs of an active magmatic system.
“The presence of disseminated, veinlet and stringer magmatic sulphides in every hole is an unprecedented start to the first drilling program in previously unexplored terrain.”
Forward plan
Armada's drill core is being processed and sections will be assayed for the normal magmatic suite of elements including nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group elements (PGE) which will also aid the geological understanding and future targeting.
Thorough interpretation of all the datasets will be undertaken once the structural data, physical property measurements, detailed core logs and analyses have been received.
This will include a reinterpretation of the extensive field mapping and rock sample datasets, applying the detailed understanding from the drill core.
Further exploration programs will be mobilised soon with focused target drilling planned for later in 2022.