Infinity Mining Limited’s (ASX: IMI) application for a co-funded drilling programme at the Brisbane Nickel prospect has been awarded by the Government of Western Australia’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety under the Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS).
Highlights:
- Infinity has been granted $117,810 to undertake a maiden Nickel (Ni) drilling programme at the Brisbane Nickel Prospect on the Panorama Project (E45/4779) in the Pilbara region of WA.
- Infinity to fund the balance of the $268,720 programme budget.
- A total of 35 rock chip samples were taken across the Brisbane Nickel Prospect, returning up to 7,636 ppm (0.74%) Nickel (Ni) and 8,918 ppm (0.892%) Chromium (Cr).
- A helicopter electromagnetic (VTEM Max) survey was flown late 2022 by Infinity and preliminary data indicates a prominent conductive target located 350 metres east of the Brisbane Nickel Prospect which may represent a buried Ni sulphide system.
- The programmw for drilling includes 10 reverse circulation holes testing both the surface geochemistry and the VTEM anomaly.
Infinity’s 2022 Field Programme
A reconnaissance exploration programme was carried out at the Brisbane Nickel Prospect by Infinity in 2022. The reconnaissance programme confirmed the presence of a large Mg-rich ultra-mafic body (peridotite), with gossanous and silicified shear zones plus gossanous cherts along the peridotite contact.
No sulphides were seen at surface due to strong weathering, but strong iron and manganese rich gossans were observed. Thirty-five rock chip samples were taken over the contact zones and out onto the ultra- mafic. The samples were sent to Jinning Testing Laboratories in Perth for analysis. Assay results returned up to 7,636 ppm (0.764%) Ni, 8,918 ppm (0.892%) Cr and 2,569 ppm (0.257%) Zn.
2022 Helicopter VTEM Survey
Infinity recently carried out a helicopter-EM (VTEM) survey over several Pilbara project areas including Panorama in October. One of the surveys, consisting of 449 line-km, covered E45/4779 and the Brisbane Nickel project.
Gridded images from the preliminary EM survey data shows a large prominent conductive anomaly target (700m x 400m) located adjacent to the Brisbane Nickel Prospect, approximately 350m to the east of the main gossans and anomalous geochemical samples.
Public domain magnetic images show that the preliminary VTEM anomaly is associated with a magnetic low anomaly, which could be related to alteration and mineralising fluids. The relationship between the anomalous Ni-Cr-Zn gossans and the VTEM anomaly to the east are not yet understood. Interpretation of the VTEM data is ongoing. However, this EM conductive target may represent a buried Ni-sulphide system.
Drilling Campaign Targets
The proposed drilling plans to drill test both the surface geochemistry and VTEM anomaly with 10 RC Holes. Six of the holes will be drilled at an incline under existing rock chip geochemistry and anomalous gossan to test down dip extensions of the peridotite. Four holes will be drilled as inclined scissor holes to test the offset VTEM anomaly.
Infinity has also caried out a cultural heritage with the Nyamal people. No sites of cultural significance were identified. Programs of Works (POWs) for drill pads and access tracks has been submitted and is currently awaiting approval.
Infinity has had a very productive first year exploring in the Pilbara. The identification of the Brisbane Nickel prospect in open file data and confirmation of the anomalous Ni-Cr geochemistry is very exciting, especially as the preliminary work from our VTEM survey has identified a prominent conductive anomaly target nearby,” CEO, Joe Groot, commented.
“The EIS is a very competitive programme, and we are fortunate that we are a successful recipient this round. The funding will assist with our active 2023 field campaign in the East Pilbara which is due to commence shortly. “
