Additional geophysical modelling undertaken by Galileo Mining Ltd (ASX: GAL) has confirmed a high profile drill target at the Delta Blues nickel- copper prospect in the Fraser Range region of Western Australia.
The priority EM conductor at the Delta Blues DB2 target has been corroborated by an independent geophysicist with results from modelling demonstrating a robust target.
Modelled parameters fall within a range of 1,500 to 5,000 Siemens (conductive strength), with a strike length between 350m and 500m, and a depth extent between 250m and 500m. Depth to the top of the conductive source has been estimated at between 125 and 185 metres below surface.
Managing Director, Brad Underwood, said all modelled parameters indicate a sizeable conductive body that may be related to sulphide mineralisation. Interpretation of gravity and magnetic data further supports the possibility that the target is associated with magmatic sulphide mineralisation. Drill testing will commence after the receipt of statutory approvals.
We have completed our target generation work at the Delta Blues prospect and are ready for the drill testing phase to begin,” Mr Underwood said.
“All available information presents a compelling case for the potential of mineralisation at the prospect. Electromagnetic, gravity, magnetic, and aircore drilling data, have combined to create a well-developed drill target.
“Drill testing is now required to determine what we have in the ground at this location.
“Meanwhile, regional EM surveying continues to cover large areas of ground with the aim of identifying additional high-quality targets for drilling.”
Independent modelling of EM data from the DB2 target at the Delta Blues prospect has confirmed the location of the conductor within a range overlapping with the original modelling.
Mr Underwood said Tthis provides confidence in the models which will be used to design drill programme to test for mineralisation.
Drilling programmes at Delta Blues will be undertaken following receipt of statutory approvals and completion of on-ground preparatory work.
In addition to the independent geophysical modelling of the EM data undertaken by Geopotential Pty Ltd, Galileo commissioned a review of the detailed aeromagnetic data over the DB2 prospect.
Consultant geophysicist Barry de Wet (former Chief Geophysicist at BHP and Ivanhoe) carried out this evaluation which included magnetic attribute and inversion modelling. Magnetic attribute modelling relies on the removal of remanent magnetisation effects which then allows examination of the vector data inherent in the TMI.
Combinations of vector data attributes (MVI) are used to produce three component magnetic vectors that describe the anomalous vector direction. These vectors are then used as a mapping tool which is particularly beneficial when attempting to define accumulations of pyrrhotite that may contain economic metals. Monoclinic pyrrhotite has been noted to channel the magnetic signature and to display a near-vertical MVI vector response at known magmatic nickel sulphide deposits.
Comparison of the results from DB2 with that from the Nebo nickel deposit in Western Australia demonstrates the similarity in responses.
The MVI analysis suggests that the conductive response at DB2 is associated with an accumulation of pyrrhotite sulphide however the potential metal content (nickel and/or copper) of any sulphide present can only be determined through drill testing.