Miramar Resources Ltd (ASX:M2R) has returned encouraging platinum group element (PGE) results during reanalysis of aircore samples from the Gidgi JV Project in WA that point to potential nickel sulphide mineralisation.
The Gidgi JV near Kalgoorlie in the WA Goldfields contains around 15 kilometres of strike of multiple ultramafic units, including the 'Highway Ultramafic', which hosts the historic Scotia nickel mine, and Auroch Minerals Ltd (ASX:AOU)’s Saints nickel deposit along strike to the north.
Samples re-assayed
Miramar routinely analyses all aircore samples for a multi-element suite by aqua-regia and ICPMS, which includes nickel, copper, chromium and cobalt. At the same time, a separate bottom-of-hole sample from each hole is also analysed for gold by fire assay, and a multi-element suite via a 4-acid 'total' digest.
Several holes intersected strongly elevated nickel +/- cobalt results associated with the ultramafic units.
Gidji JV showing maximum nickel in aircore holes.
After completing an aircore drilling program at Boorara North, samples from select holes were taken and sent for re-analysis of gold, platinum and palladium by a 50g fire assay.
Several significant results for platinum and/or palladium were obtained, mostly from within the western ultramafic unit, where most of the re-sampling was conducted.
“Nickel sulphide potential”
Miramar’s executive chairman Allan Kelly said the platinum and palladium results were significant when determining the potential for nickel sulphide mineralisation within the Gidji Project.
“High nickel, by itself, is not a conclusive indicator of nickel sulphide mineralisation but can instead be a result of the relatively high background nickel content in the ultramafic stratigraphy and/or of lateritic weathering,” he said.
“The PGE results, however, are more suggestive of a relationship between at least some of the higher nickel and copper results and a potential nickel sulphide source.
“Given the significant strike extent of the ultramafic units present, the limited amount of previous nickel-focused exploration and the recent PGE results, there is a high potential for nickel sulphide mineralisation within our tenements,” he said.
Gidji JV showing PGE results from selected aircore holes.
What’s next?
Given these encouraging initial results, Miramar plans to systematically re-sample all aircore holes intersecting elevated nickel and copper within the ultramafic units and re-assaying for platinum and palladium.
In addition, the company is investigating the potential to cover nickel sulphide targets with an airborne and/or ground electromagnetic survey to assist in defining targets for nickel-focused bedrock drill testing with reverse circulation (RC) and/or diamond drilling.