Perth-based explorer Dundas Minerals (ASX: DUN) has engaged a ground gravity geophysical contractor to commence a detailed infill gravity survey across its nickel-copper-gold tenements in Western Australia’s Albany-Fraser Oregon this week.
The Matilda South exploration target will be the first area to be surveyed followed by the North-East, Terra Firma and Jumbuck targets.
At Matilda South, dense bodies (greater than 3 tonnes per cubic metre) have been modelled from an initial wider-spaced gravity survey at a depth of approximately 130m and a strike length of approximately 14 kilometres.
There is no outcropping rock in the target area and limited past shallow drilling was to a maximum depth of 64m and not deep enough to intercept the calculated model depth of 130m.
Gravity anomalies
Dundas has interpreted the Matilda South gravity anomalies to be intrusive mafic or ultramafic rock types, which are the host rocks for the nearby Nova nickel deposit owned by IGO’s (ASX: IGO).
This interpretation has been supported by a historic shallow aircore hole which produced an intersection of “intermediate/mafic pluton or pyroxene granulite”.
Drilling of the modelled bodies will be required to confirm the interpretation.
Precise modelling
Dundas managing director Shane Volk said the infill gravity survey would enable more precise modelling of depth at Matilda South, plus 3D geometry and orientation of the other target bodies.
“We are delighted with the generation of these new exploration target areas, especially at Matilda South and North-East,” he said.
“Being able to commence the work so soon is a real bonus which will provide us with the time needed to analyse and model the survey data to plan for drill testing these areas in the new year.”
Maiden drilling
Earlier this week, Dundas announced it would begin maiden drilling at the Jumbuck nickel and Kokoda gold prospects.
The prospects sit within the wholly-owned Dundas project which comprises 11 exploration tenements over 1,106 square kilometres of the Albany-Fraser Oregon.
Dundas said previous exploration within its project area was mostly undertaken prior to Nova’s discovery in 2012.
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