Apollo Minerals Limited (ASX: AON) has intersected major high-grade mineralised structure in multiple holes at regional target TP13 where shallow massive zinc and lead sulphides have been confirmed at the Kroussou Project in Gabon.
“These spectacular assay results from drilling at TP13 confirm the game-changing discovery previously reported and have further enhanced our expectations for the potential scale and quality of Kroussou,” Managing Director, Neil Inwood, said.
“The new style of mineralisation discovered, provides a structural target style which will redefine our future exploration focus.
“ Data from the recently completed airborne electromagnetic survey will be utilised to generate additional exploration targets to the 23 targets already identified at Kroussou.
“The opportunity for discovery is massive and our excitement is palpable – we believe Kroussou really does have the potential to be a very large, province-scale zinc district.”
Highlights:
* Multiple holes intersect major high grade mineralised structure in regional drilling (7km north of previous drilling), significant intercepts include:
o 40.0% Zn+Pb over 3.5m from 3.5m depth within a broader 6.0m @ 18.0% Zn+Pb; o 10.0% Zn+Pb over 4.4m from 37.4m within a broader zone of 8.7m @ 6.0% Zn+Pb; o 8.6% Zn+Pb over 4.0m from 27.7m within a broader zone of 6.2m @ 5.9% Zn+Pb.
* The major mineralising structure is open to the north and south.
* High-grade zinc and lead mineralisation is interpreted to be structurally related and provides an opportunity to apply a regional targeting methodology to the province scale of Kroussou, with 130km of prospective contacts.
* Recent mapping identifies gossans 200m east and 1.3km north of discovery – priority targets for next phase.
* Estimation of Exploration Target underway and anticipated in the current quarter.
Drilling At TP13
North-West
A total of 24 diamond drill holes for 1,091m were drilled at TP13 (the Niambokamba Target Prospect) with three discrete areas initially targeted.
Drilling in the North-West area of TP13 has intercepted a new style of structurally related mineralisation that is characterised by zones of brecciation in core, massive to disseminated sulphides (sphalerite + galena +/- marcasite) and nearby barite mineralisation. Additionally, recent field mapping at TP13 has identified 8 occurrences of gossans within 2km of the TP13 NW area.
Significant intercept
* 3.5m @ 40.0% Zn+Pb from 3.5m depth within a broader 6.0m @ 18.0% Zn+Pb from 1m downhole in NKDD029. The total mineralised zone is interpreted to be 12.7m thick based on assays from both NKDD029 and the nearby twinned hole NKDD020;
* 4.4m @ 10.0% Zn+Pb from 37.4m within a broader zone of 8.7m @ 6.0% Zn+Pb from 36.4m in NKDD025, representing a 55m down-dip extension of the mineralisation observed in NKDD029;
* 4.0m @ 8.6% Zn+Pb from 27.7m within a broader zone of 6.2m @ 5.9% Zn+Pb from 25.4m in NKDD026, representing a 100m extension of the mineralised system to the north of NKDD029; and
* 3.9m @ 4.1% Zn+Pb from 36.2m in NKDD024.
Early results of the interpretation of the recently finalised regional airborne electro-magnetic (AEM) survey where a new embayment just 1km north of the current high-grade results has been identified and subsequently fact mapped. This mapping has identified 30 new barite and eight gossan occurrences which will be further investigated in the next field season with a view to drill testing as a priority. These early results highlight the positive impact that the AEM survey is expected to have on future targeting.
Mineralisation is observed with up to 65% massive to disseminated sphalerite (zinc sulphide), galena (lead sulphide) and marcasite (iron sulphide) associated with massive or veined barite and shearing (e.g. 0.55m @ 55.3% Zn+Pb from 4.95m in NKDD029 and 0.4m @ 15.0% Zn+Pb from 6.8m in NKDD020).
This association is a new development at Kroussou and has implications for identifying additional high-grade, structurally related mineralisation throughout the broader Kroussou mineralised system.
The lower portions of drill hole NKDD020 was re-drilled with hole NKDD029. The twin hole also experienced core loss, but in different portions of the stratigraphy. Information from both nearby holes indicated that mineralisation is present from approximately 2.0m to 16m (basement contact) vertically. Drill collar cuttings (outside return) were collected from the drill holes for the core loss intervals and used to assist in logging and were also sampled.
Next Steps
The work programme at Kroussou is currently focussed on:
- · Analysis of regional drilling and exploration completed at TP13, TP9, TP8 and TP24.
- · A comprehensive regional airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey was recently completed over Kroussou. The AEM survey covered the 80km strike length of the prospective geology at Kroussou and is currently being interpreted and analysed for target generation in conjunction with the company’s extensive geochemical and geological data sets. Interpretation work will also focus on identifying potential high-grade structural targets as displayed at TP13 as well as embayment-style targets as seen at Dikaki (TP11).
- · Metallurgical test work from TP11 undertaken by Independent Metallurgical Operations Pty Ltd (IMO) in Perth is being finalised with analysis of results expected to be ready for release during October.
- · The AEM survey, combined with results from the regional passive seismic programme and analysis and interpretation of all exploration and drilling results received to date, are being interpreted with the intention of defining an Exploration Targetfor Kroussou consistent with the JORC Code 2012.
- · The estimation of an Exploration Target and the associated ranking of the identified Target Prospects across the province-scale Kroussou, is expected to provide the opportunity to expand future exploration activities at the Project. With the addition of the recently granted Keri Permit, the intention is to ensure that geological mapping and geochemical sampling is conducted at all 24 TPs at Kroussou with the aim of seeking to identify new zones of mineralisation which justify further drilling activity
For further information please visit: www.apollominerals.com