WA1 Resources Ltd (ASX: WA1) has obtained promising results and interpretation from a passive seismic “horizontal to vertical spectral ratio” survey completed in December 2022 at the Luni carbonatite discovery in Western Australia.
Passive seismic is now a key dataset assisting the next phase of exploration drill targeting, informing a comprehensive RC and diamond drilling program which is in the final stages of planning. The programme is primarily designed to test the extent of the enriched mineralised horizon in the oxide zone.
Drill samples from last year’s maiden RC programme were logged in detail to determine the weathering profile of the carbonatite intrusion. There is a clear observable change in the weathering profile which is associated with very high-grade niobium enrichment,” Managing Director, Paul Savich, said.
“The passive seismic appears to have mapped a contiguous horizon that is coincident with this observed change in weathering.
“A level of caution should be applied when assessing geophysical results and we will validate this interpretation with follow-up drilling, however the passive seismic model has created an exciting target for enriched mineralisation beyond our existing drillholes.
“Drilling is set to commence in only a few weeks and our initial focus will be step-out holes proximate to LURC002 and LURC003 to test for continuity of the high-grade niobium mineralisation and to validate the passive seismic model.”
West Arunta Project – Upcoming Exploration Activity
Interpretation of the modelled passive seismic results from Luni has led to the targeting of the enriched niobium horizon along the transitional weathering contact.
In-fill gravity at Luni continues to be processed to improve the understanding of the carbonatite intrusion. In addition, a detailed drone magnetic survey over the Luni and P2 carbonatites is currently in progress.
RC drilling in heritage cleared areas is expected to commence late-March. The first phase of the 2023 exploration drilling program is planned to focus on drilling the Luni discovery using a regular grid spacing to define the lateral extent of the carbonatite and enriched niobium mineralisation, and to identify zonation of the mineralisation for vectoring into high-grade zones. Drill samples and drill core will also be collected for preliminary metallurgical test work. Furthermore, follow-up drill testing of the P2 carbonatite is planned along with initial drill testing of additional regional targets. More details will be announced once drill planning is finalised.
The West Arunta Project is located in an emerging geological province approximately 490km south of Halls Creek and 550km to the west of Alice Springs. It comprises the Pachpadra, Sambhar and Urmia prospect areas, which are contained within a granted Exploration Licence.
During WA1’s maiden exploration RC drilling programme completed in August 2022, the Luni and P2 targets were successfully identified as being Nb-REE mineralised carbonatites with high-grade niobium, elevated REE’s and elevated tantalum drill intercepts.