- Auroch Minerals (AOU) has received and analysed results from an aircore drilling program completed at its Saints Nickel Project in Western Australia
- The aim of this program was to significantly enhance the current high-grade nickel sulphide resource
- The program was completed in February and it identified four new channels located at the base of Saints that have never been tested
- At least three of these channels are highly productive and nickel-bearing
- Company shares are up 11.1 per cent today and are currently trading for three cents each
Auroch Minerals (AOU) has received and analysed results from an aircore (AC) drilling program completed at its Saints Nickel Project.
In early January 2020, the company began its first exploration program for the year at the project.
The aim of this program was to significantly increase the high-grade nickel sulphide resource of 1.05 million tonnes at two per cent nickel and 0.2 per cent copper for 21,400 tonnes of contained nickel and 1600 tonnes of contained copper.
The project is located approximately 65 kilometres northwest of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and covers an area of 20 square kilometres.
This 60 hole AC program was completed in February and it identified four new channels located at the base of Saints.
With the help of experienced nickel geologist and ex-CEO of Mincor Resources, Peter Muccilli, it was shown that these targets have not been previously explored or drill-tested.
Additionally, the results identified that at least three of these new channels are highly productive and nickel-bearing.
This is important for nickel sulphide mineralisation and has enhanced the potential and productivity of these channels.
Some results include 12 metres at 0.43 per cent nickel from 42 metres including three metres at 0.60 per cent nickel from 45 metres, and 42 metres at 0.40 per cent nickel from 21 metres including three metres at 0.71 per cent nickel from 24 metres.
“We now have at least four more channels that have the potential to host significant massive nickel sulphide mineralisation, as well as the potential for even more channels along untested strike of the basal footwall contact,” Managing Director Aidan Platel commented.
“Importantly, the results have also identified fertile, nickel-bearing ultramafic rocks at the base of three of these channels,” Aidan said.
“The fact that we now have fertile basal flows within known channel positions over magnetic highs, and within close proximity to existing massive nickel sulphide mineralisation, greatly increases the potential of these new channels to host significant nickel sulphide mineralisation,” he added.
Auroch is now planning a drilling program to test the channels and will be followed by a down-hole electromagnetic (DHEM) survey.
Company shares are up 11.1 per cent today and are trading for three cents each at 1:52 pm AEDT.