Voltaic Strategic Resources Limited (ASX:VSR) has recently completed an airborne magnetic and radiometric survey across the Paddys Well Project in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region. Interpretation of this new data has significantly enhanced the Critical Minerals prospectivity of the extensive 1,300 sq. km tenement package.
16 potential carbonatite intrusions have been identified, which are prospective for REEs and niobium, from initial interpretation of the geophysical data. Many of these are proximal to the extensive REE clay system previously drilled at the Neo prospect. Field surveys are currently underway to ‘ground truth’ the prospects and delineate new drill targets, and additional geophysical interpretative work is ongoing to identify more targets.
The resolution of geophysical data has been significantly enhanced across the Project, much of which had been mapped as sedimentary cover. Numerous previously unmapped fault structures / shear zones and major granitic plutons have been identified which significantly enhance the Project’s prospectivity for Critical Minerals such as REEs, lithium, nickel, and copper.
Voltaic Chief Executive Officer Michael Walshe commented “The geophysical data has strengthened our conviction for the existence of carbonatite targets across Paddys Well. The prior drilling and metallurgical testwork both indicated that the source of REE mineralisation at Neo was likely of carbonatite origin and the geophysical data corroborates this.
Other companies in the region including Hastings Technology Metals (ASX: HAS) and Dreadnought Resources (ASX: DRE)2 have identified carbonatite-hosted REE’s which have been shown to have a high proportion of valuable ‘magnet’ REEs, and favourable metallurgical characteristics for economic extraction” Mr Walshe said.
“Furthermore, the data has significantly expanded the prospectivity for lithium, nickel, and copper via the identification of NE-SW fault structures / shear zones, and delineation of granitic bodies across the project area that were interpreted to be predominantly Lyons Group sediments.
“This validates the Company’s previous expansion of the Paddys Well tenement package earlier this year3 and creates a large pipeline of potential drill targets” he said.
During the quarter, the Company’s preferred analytical laboratory experienced delays in both the prepping of sample batches and in the analytical processing of sample assays due to unfortunate lab equipment breakdowns.
Our company employs an extensive analytical process that involves the utilization of Microwave Digestion (MD), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and Optical Emission Spectrometry (OES) for comprehensive 62-element analysis. While this approach, which includes ICP-MS/OES and the analysis of 62 elements, may be more time-consuming compared to alternative analytical methods, it ensures the provision of a thorough geochemical assessment for our early-stage exploration projects. This methodology also allows us to assess the prospectivity for all Critical Minerals and their respective pathfinder elements.
Currently, the phase 3 assay results are due in two weeks, and once QA/QC checks and interpretations have been completed, these results will be released to the market.
Furthermore, the Company has engaged the services of Xplore Global, a UK-based geological consultancy with specialisation in the areas of lithium, caesium, tantalum (LCT) pegmatite targeting, geochemistry and interpretation. Dr Benedikt Steiner (Principal)is a globally renowned expert in LCT geochemistry.