Auric Mining Ltd (ASX:AWJ) has completed more than 70% of a 240-hole aircore program at the Chalice West Project near Higginsville-Widgiemooltha in Western Australia, continuing the search for battery and precious metals.
The company has been drill testing a largely undefined greenstone belt, believed to be a continuation of the geology that hosts the Chalice gold mine to the northeast.
Auric’s study of the local lithologies (rock layering) indicates the area holds potential to host concentrations of nickel, lithium, rare earths and other elements.
First results expected next month
Auric has submitted 1,130 samples in 4-metre composites from 174 completed drill holes, initially tested for nickel, lithium and rare earths with on-site portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis before being sent for gold analyses. A further 66 holes remain to be drilled.
The company intends to release results promptly to market as they become available.
Chalice West aircore drilling progress.