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Heavy Rare Earths Limited has expanded its drilling program at the South Ridge Tin Project in South Australia following the discovery of new mineralised structures and an extension of the South Ridge Shear zone. With all approvals secured, the company is set to begin an enlarged drilling campaign that could substantially influence its resource estimates.
Key Points
- Heavy Rare Earths Limited has obtained all necessary approvals for the South Ridge Tin Project.
- The drilling program has increased from 28 to 36 holes, extending total drilling from 2,500m to 3,400m.
- New geological structures and an extension of the main shear zone to 1.85km have been identified.
- Investors await the start of the expanded drilling program once road conditions improve.
South Ridge Drilling Program Expansion
Heavy Rare Earths Limited announced a major expansion of its drilling activities at the South Ridge Tin Project in South Australia. The program now includes up to 36 drill holes, increasing total drilling length from 2,500 meters to 3,400 meters. This expansion targets material collection for metallurgical testing and further exploration of promising geological structures uncovered in recent surveys.
This decision follows detailed geological mapping and sampling, which revealed new extensions to the South Ridge Shear zone, now measuring 1.85 kilometers in length. Additionally, several parallel structures were discovered, indicating that South Ridge may not be an isolated feature and potentially enhancing the project's resource potential.
Geological Discoveries Extend Mineralised Zone
Recent geological surveys by Heavy Rare Earths Limited extended the mapped outcrop of the main South Ridge Shear zone to 1.85 kilometers. This includes a 900-meter zone that remains significantly under-drilled, offering substantial opportunities for resource expansion. The survey employed a portable XRF machine to effectively identify zones of anomalous mineralisation.
Alongside the main shear zone extension, several previously unmapped parallel structures were identified, providing new exploration targets and highlighting the potential for additional mineralisation beyond known deposits. The company plans further work, including potential drill testing, to fully evaluate these new structures.
Drilling Program Approvals Secured
Heavy Rare Earths Limited has received all required approvals to proceed with its maiden drilling program at South Ridge. These include heritage clearance from the Dieri Aboriginal Corporation and a Program for Environment Protection and Rehabilitation (PEPR) approval from the South Australian Department of Mines and Energy. With approvals in place, drilling will commence once road conditions allow heavy vehicle access.
The company has contracted a reputable drilling firm to perform both reverse circulation and diamond drilling. Campsites for drill and geological crews have been established at the base of South Ridge to ensure smooth operations once logistics are resolved.
Historical Data Reveals Under-Explored Potential
A review of historical data on the western section of the South Ridge Shear zone shows this area remains under-explored. Only seven drill holes have been completed over a 450-meter strike length, with two intersecting high-grade tin mineralisation. These results highlight significant potential for resource additions in this project area.
The historical data emphasizes the importance of identifying and tracing lode structures, even where surface tin mineralisation is absent. Recent mapping efforts by the company have been critical in locating these structures, laying the groundwork for future exploration and resource growth.
Overview of the South Ridge Tin Project
The South Ridge Tin Project is part of Heavy Rare Earths Limited's Prospect Hill project, situated on the north-western margin of the Curnamona Craton. It consists of three contiguous exploration tenements covering 75 square kilometers. Originally acquired for uranium potential, the project now focuses on tin, with multiple prospects identified across the tenements.
The Prospect Hill acquisition included a comprehensive assay dataset compiled by previous operators, which has guided the company's exploration and target identification. Located within the polymetallic mineralised Curnamona Craton, the project holds strong potential for significant resource discoveries.
