Great Western Exploration Limited (ASX: GTE) has received promising results from a Fixed-Loop Electromagnetic (FLEM) survey at the company’s Fairbairn Project in Western Australia.
Three large DeGrussa-style copper targets have been defined by a Fixed-Loop Electromagnetic (FLEM) ground survey programme for drilling at the Fairburn Project.
The FLEM survey aimed to refine the previously reported heliborne EM targetsand defined three isolated and discrete bedrock conductors, interpreted to be related to sulphide mineralisation. Geological mapping and modelling of Fairbairn data indicates the conductors represent blind DeGrussa style volcanic-hosted massive sulphide targets which Great Western considers compelling drill targets.
Modelling of the ground FLEM survey by highly respected geophysical consultants Newexco found three of the seven heliborne EM targets were isolated and discrete bedrock conductors: modelled plates FLG134, FLG285, and FLG574. The FLEM data at these locations displayed exponential conductivity decay, interpreted to be potential sulphide mineralisation.
The conductors were modelled between only 80 – 190m below surface, positioned along a government mapped contact between a siltstone-shale and boulder conglomerate- sandstone units of the Yelma Formation within the Earaheedy Basin.
Geological mapping subsequently completed by the Company at the projected
position of the modelled plates to surface, verified government mapped sedimentary contacts and defined altered mafic rocks within these sedimentary units. Quartz veining was noted trending parallel to plate FLG285, potentially indicative of hydrothermal fluid flow within the vicinity.
Surface rock-chip sampling from the up-dip projection of plate FLG134 returned anomalous copper results (peak result 0.19% Cu) with anomalous gold assays of 0.15g/t and 0.12g/t reported at the up-dip projection of plates FLG285 and FLG584 respectively Based on the geological mapping completed, it is interpreted that the FLEM conductors and mapped mafic units within sandstone represent a volcanic-hosted massive sulphide (VHMS) target. The company interprets the altered basalt anomalous in copper at FLM134, and anomalous gold values taken up-dip of conductors FLG285 and 584, are positions outboard of a blind and preserved volcanic hydrothermal vent. Under this model, the FLEM plates define the position of potential metal rich massive sulphides.
Further, it is interpreted that the mapped sedimentary units of the Yelma Formation are at a similar stratigraphic level and structural position as the DeGrussa VHMS Deposit (766Kt Cu and 588Kt Oz Au), within the nearby Byrah Basin. The company interprets that the units mapped at Fairbairn are potentially equivalent outboard units to those documented at DeGrussa, Little previous exploration has been completed at the project, with work completed during the 1980s and early-1990s focussed on diamond exploration.
The company believes that based on the strength and discrete nature of the modelled conductors and supporting mapped geological controls and surface sampling results, the conductors represent compelling drilling targets requiring immediate drill testing for potential DeGrussa style VHMS copper- gold-lead-zinc mineralisation.
Great Western plans to commence drilling of these three modelled FLEM conductors in November 2023 once final access approvals are in place.
