Tivan Limited (ASX: TVN) has identified a new high-grade lead target which has been confirmed by initial assay results with a maximum result of 12.2% Pb returned at its 100% owned Sandover Project in the Northern Territory
Sandover is located 100km north of Alice Springs and covers an area of approximately 8,000 sq. km across two contiguous blocks of Exploration Licences in the Northern Arunta Pegmatite Province (five granted, nine under application).
The latest work is part of an Exploration Alliance Agreement with EARTH AI to advance exploration activities at Sandover under a success-based model providing access to innovative artificial intelligence (AI) capability for targeting and testing.
High-grade lead target
Tivan has identified a new high-grade lead exploration target at Sandover following completion of a surface sampling program by EARTH AI. The lead target was predicted by EARTH AI’s proprietary AI system. Assay results have confirmed:
- Lead mineralisation of up to 12.2% Pb.
- Phosphorous enrichment of 2.9% alongside the 12.2% Pb consistent with the presence of lead phosphates such as pyromorphite and/or lead carbonates such as cerussite; both of which are supergene minerals associated with primary lead deposits.
High-grade mineralisation at the surface is a rare discovery in modern day exploration and suggests the presence of a shallow ore deposit.
Highly smenable location
The lead target is situated approximately 5 km to the west of the Ghan Railway, on Aileron Station. In the event that a mineral resource is successfully defined, the close proximity to rail will afford outstanding logistical efficiencies in support of project development.
Next steps
Consistent with EARTH AI’s exploration process, next steps will comprise systematic geological mapping and further surface sampling aimed at detailed geological research of the newly identified hydrothermal system. Results of this work will translate into exploration hypotheses to be tested by a maiden drill campaign.
The significance of the high-grade lead target will lead to re-prioritisation of the drill targets recently announced by Tivan including the Mine Management Plan. Tivan is on track to commence drilling in Q2 2024, subject to the relevant approvals and agreements.
The confirmation of the high-grade lead prospect continues the successful target generation and identification programme underway at Sandover between Tivan and EARTH AI, and follows the previous announcement of the generation of copper and lithium targets at the project.
“Less than a year into our Alliance with EARTH AI, we are delighted to have made this potentially historic discovery. It showcases the transformative impact that we expect AI-driven exploration will have, particularly across vast areas such as Sandover,” Executive Chairman Grant Wilson said.
“The prospect of building a major project near Alice was my central motivation in taking on the leadership of this company in late 2022. With this find, we may have come full circle. An exciting journey of discovery now lies ahead for shareholders and stakeholders of Tivan.”
