Tempest Minerals Ltd (ASX:TEM) (TEM) has confirmed the presence of copper and other metals from its first drill hole at the Orion target within its Meleya project in Western Australia, with the results providing the incentive to pursue further aggressive exploration.
Although the results returned lower than the initial visual estimates, Tempest considers the results from drill hole WARDH72 to be exciting and provide strong support for ongoing exploration.
Additional geophysics and drilling has been planned this quarter to follow up on the target and commence exploring other targets in the newly-confirmed mineralised belt.
Two holes totalling 1,730.5 metres were drilled in March to establish the stratigraphy and geological context of Meleya, encountering multiple zones of visual mineralisation.
Further interpretation needed
DHEM Survey layout with magnetics and drillhole underlay
Initial assays show multiple zones to be highly anomalous in base metals including copper, zinc, molybdenum and silver although some of them were lower than those anticipated from the previously reported visual estimates.
This may be due to low copper to iron ratio in chalcopyrite and/or greater percentage of pyrite to chalcopyrite than visually apparent.
The results, along with other data sets are being interpreted to determine vectors to further mineralisation locally and in the regional context.
Next steps
Tempest had undertaken downhole electromagnetic surveys (DHEM) at the Orion target to better understand the mineralisation in the area and to target potential further sulphides, and these have been completed.
The DHEM results and further assays from drill hole WARDH73 are due in August 2022
In the meantime, further drilling is being planned and prepared at Orion and other regional targets within the Meleya Project.