Discovering similar mafic and ultramafic rocks as the globally significant Nova and Silver Knight deposits, fellow Fraser Range prospector Galileo Mining (ASX:GAL) has uncovered a new nickel target at its Empire Rose prospect.
The nickel bearing rocks are the product of the company’s first drilling activity at its Fraser Range nickel project, with an aircore drilling campaign covering 2,075m through 51 holes.
While the Company reports that nickel assays are not at an economic level, the presence of the base metal and a similar geological setting to other Fraser Range success stories points to the possibility of further mineralisation.
EM geophysical survey work at site has delivered a strong conductive response and Galileo will continue the hunt with a follow-up Induced Polarisation geophysical survey to refine its target.
Galileo boasts a strong pedigree for developing nickel projects in the Fraser Range with the miner heavily backed by renowned prospector Mark Creasy, who played an integral part in the discovery of both Nova and Silver Knight.
Discussing the significance of the drilling, Galileo managing director Brad Underwood said:
The Empire Rose prospect is the first area Galileo has drilled within its Fraser Range project portfolio. To have such positive results in our first drilling program is a great outcome and we hope that additional work, both at Empire Rose and at our other Fraser Range prospects, leads to the discovery of economic resources.
“The drilling at Empire Rose has intersected an extensive ultramafic peridotite sill of the kind often associated with nickel deposits around the world including the deposits so far found in the Fraser Range.
“The Fraser Range is a rapidly evolving new mineralised province and with two confirmed discoveries in the area we believe that the potential for further discoveries is high,” he said.
Galileo reports that drilling at the Empire Rose prospect focussed on intrusive magnetic patterns interpreted from its detailed aeromagnetic data.
The planned IP geophysical survey will help to further refine the target area ahead of additional drilling, with both reverse circulation and deeper diamond core drilling flagged, pending results.