Summary
- BlackEarth Minerals completed a reconnaissance exploration program involving geochemical sampling, a first-pass geological mapping as well as availability of public access roads.
- The initial field program has confirmed the presence of ultramafics.
- The airborne electromagnetic survey over E70/4825 is anticipated to commence in early 2021.
Forging a future in critical commodities, BlackEarth Mineral NL (ASX: BEM) is actively pursuing exploration on Donnelly River Nickel-Copper-Platinum Group Metals (Ni-Cu-PGM) Project, located 240 kilometres south of Perth in Western Australia. The Company completed its first program of field exploration on the project, marking a significant step forward.
This project development is set to boost the ongoing Australian endeavours of the Company, which is also exploring downstream value-added graphite processing opportunities at its Maniry Graphite Project in Madagascar.
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Commenting on the Donnelly River Prospect update, BlackEarth Managing Director, Tom Revy, stated that the presence of ultramafics had been confirmed by the initial field program. He added that it is a highly encouraging step towards ascertaining the potential value of the Donnelly River Prospect. Given the general backlog currently existing in Perth assay laboratories, the Company is anticipating assay results in December.
Mr Revy indicated that BEM has committed to the next stage of exploration at Donnelly River Project. An AEM survey is planned to kickstart early next year. The Company would confirm the start state later, which would depend upon the availability of the equipment while BEM is negotiating land access agreements.
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Overview of the Past Exploration around Donnelly River Project
The Donnelly River Project is stationed immediately adjoining the Thor and Odin Ni-Cu-PGM Prospects, which Chalice Gold Mines and Venture Minerals recently identified at their South-West Joint Venture.
Historical exploration across the tenements of BlackEarth has identified that there exists metagabbroic and metperidotites, interpreted to be part of mafic-ultramafic intrusive complexes. Meanwhile, multiple priority targets which require additional assessment have also been identified through the recent evaluation of the available geophysical data.
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Recent Program Undertaken at Donnelly River
Reconnaissance Fieldwork
Geological consultants undertook a program of fieldwork at the Donnelly River at the Ni-Cu-PGM Project, with the reconnaissance exploration identifying significant findings in this phase.
Kalkine Image (Data Source: BEM ASX Update, 23 November 2020)
The presence of ultramafic rocks associated with the Palgorup Prospect has been confirmed. It offers a level of confidence concerning the magnetic highs that are identified at least in parts because of the presence of mafic-ultramafic lithologies, having the potential to host Ni-Cu-PGM sulphide deposits.
The reconnaissance exploration also indicated heavy lateritisation of the project area while the outcropping geology is as such minimal. It had earlier limited the identification of the targeted mafic-ultramafic lithologies present across the project in the previous exploration.
The collection of reconnaissance geochemical samples will offer guidance concerning the effectiveness of the technique and its applicability across the more comprehensive project.
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Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Planning
Geophysical Consultants have been retained by the Company for the design and management of a planned airborne electromagnetic survey that would cover E70/4825. The survey is expected to commence in early 2021. The targeting and design of the next phase of exploration would be based on the outcomes of the survey.
Way Forward for Donnelly River
