Buxton Resources(ASX:BUX) has intersected 54 m of graphitic mineralisation at the Ranger prospect within its 100% owned Narryer Project, in the Murchison region of WA.
Graphite mineralisation was intersected at depth as predicted by the EM model. Visual estimates by Buxton geologists indicate that NY001RC intersected continuous graphite mineralisation from 198 metres depth to the end-of hole. Continuous high-grade graphite (visually estimated > 10% TGC) was observed from 232 metres to 252 metres depth, at which depth excessive water caused the hole to be abandoned.
The rig has now been released, and Buxton will prioritise assaying the mineralised interval for Total Graphitic Carbon (TGC) with results expected by mid-October.
While the drilling program has downgraded the nickel potential of the Ranger target, the thickness, apparent high-grade and visual evidence of a coarse flake component within the graphitic interval in hole NY001RC provides significant encouragement for further graphite exploration in the Project area.
Significantly, the ground EM conductors modelled at the nearby Oculus prospect are now most likely to be related to similar graphitic mineralisation. These conductors have been confirmed to be legitimate bedrock conductors by modelling of Buxton’s recent ground EM survey data.
The related airborne EM conductivity trends extend over >7 linear / strike kilometres around the Oculus Prospect and define a relatively simple fold structure.
Buxton has commenced modelling “early time” ground EM data to determine the potential for up-dip / shallower extensions to the drill-confirmed graphite mineralisation at Ranger and the EM models at Oculus will be similarly revisited. The current models are based solely on mid-late time EM channels (standard practice for targeting sulphide mineralisation).
Planning works for Loupe EM and Heritage surveys at Oculus are also underway. Buxton has successfully utilised the Loupe EM surveying method to target recent RC drilling at Graphite Bull.
