NickelSearch Limited’s (ASX: NIS) independent geochemical review has highlighted the exceptional multi-commodity prospectivity of the company’s Carlingup Project near Ravensthorpe, Western Australia.
The review, which focused on part of the tenements, has flagged potential for lithium and VHMS mineralisation in addition to the nickel sulphide prospectivity already being investigated.
Allkem’s Mt Cattlin Lithium mine is 10 km away from our Project. To date, we have focused on nickel sulphides. Given that we had recently completed ultra-fine soil sampling across part of the Carlingup Trend, we asked an independent geochemist to review the data to help guide our broader exploration focus,” Managing Director, Nicole Duncan, said.
“It is hugely exciting to have confirmation that our tenements are prospective for many minerals that are needed in the energy transition, including lithium. We know the ground at Carlingup can host high-grade nickel sulphides because our tenements host RAV8, which produced 16.1kt Ni at 3.45%. Having areas of prospectivity highlighted independently confirms the value of examining all available data using the latest knowledge and techniques.”
Background
An independent geochemist studied the results of ultra-fine soil sampling conducted over the Carlingup Trend by the company (and also soil sampling done by previous owners) reporting on the assay data for nickel, LCT pegmatites and VHMS potential. A series of images showing element anomalism at each location was produced and areas highlighted indicating prospectivity.
Next Steps
To test the lithium prospectivity, the company will assess the effectiveness of remote sensing in identifying spodumene outcropping on the Carlingup Trend. Following this, a campaign of detailed mapping and rock chip sampling will be undertaken over the areas that are cleared for exploration, followed by drilling as appropriate.
The company has applied for funding under the WA Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme in order to drill the VHMS target related to RAVD120. This will be a deep hole, in order to also reach the basal ultramafic contact (which is also the targeted position for nickel sulphides).
Assays from recent drilling at the Sexton target, coupled with associated strong downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) conducters, give the Company confidence in its approach of systematic testing of the 30+ greenfields targets defined across Carlingup.
At Sexton, the assay results and the very high conductivity of the modelled DHEM plates indicates extensions of mineralisation at depth and down-plunge. Sexton will be a key focus for follow-up diamond drilling as the company considers that the prospect has the potential to progress into a significant nickel discovery.
NickelSearch is also excited to commence drilling at both the Serendipity and B1 greenfields targets. The company is particularly eager to test Serendipity, which has had very little historical drilling and has an impressive Nickel/Chrome anomaly extending over a +1km strike length. NickelSearch will also continue to undertake ultra-fine soil sampling across the remainder of its tenement package at Carlingup, and conduct independent expert reviews of the resulting data, to ensure the prospectivity of the Project is fully understood.