MTD026 Assays 840m of Nickel Sulphide Mineralisation
ASX RELEASE
30 AUGUST 2023
MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
HIGHLIGHTS
• MTD026 assay results show cumulative disseminated nickel sulphide mineralisation of:
840m at 0.28% Ni, 140ppm Co, 103ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd with S:Ni 1.6
• Extensive magmatic nickel sulphide mineral system throughout hole - elevated Ni and S
coincident with highly anomalous Cu, PGE and observed disseminated sulphides
• Geochemical characterisation shows high MgO adcumulate dunite averaging 48.4% MgO, 0.25%
Al2O3 (volatile free) over cumulative 1,374.5m downhole - indicative of a hot dynamic system
• Multiple broad intersections of disseminated nickel sulphide mineralisation:
MTD026
130m at 0.31% Ni, 136ppm Co, 122ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd from 116m
inc. 13m at 0.35% Ni, 142ppm Co, 301ppm Cu, 65ppb Pt+Pd from 157m
and 158m at 0.27% Ni, 136ppm Co, 70ppm Cu, 19ppb Pt+Pd from 262m
and 38m at 0.28% Ni, 136ppm Co, 64ppm Cu, 16ppb Pt+Pd from 448m
and 104m at 0.24% Ni, 139ppm Co, 100ppm Cu, 22ppb Pt+Pd from 500m
inc. 16m at 0.40% Ni, 175ppm Co, 157ppm Cu, 45ppb Pt+Pd from 528m
and 32m at 0.31% Ni, 177ppm Co, 250ppm Cu, 30ppb Pt+Pd from 660m
and 258m at 0.26% Ni, 135ppm Co, 95ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd from 792m
and 32m at 0.31% Ni, 149ppm Co, 95ppm Cu, 15ppb Pt+Pd from 1,092m
and 53m at 0.34% Ni, 149ppm Co, 136ppm Cu, 40ppb Pt+Pd from 1,154m
and 35m at 0.38% Ni, 159ppm Co, 113ppm Cu, 32ppb Pt+Pd from 1,429m
• Confirmation of shallow remobilised massive nickel sulphide veinlet mineralisation:
MTD026
0.5m at 1.21% Ni, 490ppm Co, 1,455ppm Cu, 93ppb Pt+Pd from 116.5m
0.3m at 1.88% Ni, 846ppm Co, 762ppm Cu, 214ppb Pt+Pd from 224.3m
Western Mines Group Ltd (WMG or Company) (ASX:WMG) is pleased to update shareholders on the
geochemical assay results recently received for EIS deep hole MTD026 at the Mulga Tank Ni-Cu-PGE Project.
MTD026 intersected a cumulative ~1,400m thickness of high MgO adcumulate dunite ultramafic containing
disseminated magmatic sulphides (trace to 2%) that in a number of places coalesced into interstitial blebs (3 to
5% sulphide) and even approaching net textured (5 to 10% sulphide) over a cumulative ~950m. Multiple
intersections of high-tenor remobilised massive nickel sulphide blebs and veinlets were also observed down the
length of the hole (ASX, Completion of MTD026 and Upcoming MobileMT Survey, 27 June 2023).
Western Mines Group Ltd
Level 3, 33 Ord Street
West Perth WA 6005
ASX:WMG
Telephone: +61 475 116 798
Email: contact@westernmines.com.au
www.westernmines.com.au
Shares on Issue: 60.55m
Share Price: $0.47
Market Cap: $28.46m
Cash: $3.27m (30/06/23)
1
ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
MTD026 assay results show prospective high-temperature adcumulate-extreme adcumulate dunite host rock
down the length of the hole, averaging 48.4% MgO, 0.25% Al2O3 (volatile free), over a cumulative 1,374.5m.
Near continuous intersections of disseminated nickel mineralisation with elevated Ni and S, in combination with
highly anomalous Cu and PGE, are considered strong evidence for an extensive magmatic sulphide mineral
system.
Significant mineralised intersections include:
MTD026
130m at 0.31% Ni, 136ppm Co, 122ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd from 116m
inc. 13m at 0.35% Ni, 142ppm Co, 301ppm Cu, 65ppb Pt+Pd from 157m
and 158m at 0.27% Ni, 136ppm Co, 70ppm Cu, 19ppb Pt+Pd from 262m
and 38m at 0.28% Ni, 136ppm Co, 64ppm Cu, 16ppb Pt+Pd from 448m
and 104m at 0.24% Ni, 139ppm Co, 100ppm Cu, 22ppb Pt+Pd from 500m
inc. 16m at 0.40% Ni, 175ppm Co, 157ppm Cu, 45ppb Pt+Pd from 528m
and 32m at 0.31% Ni, 177ppm Co, 250ppm Cu, 30ppb Pt+Pd from 660m
and 258m at 0.26% Ni, 135ppm Co, 95ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd from 792m
and 32m at 0.31% Ni, 149ppm Co, 95ppm Cu, 15ppb Pt+Pd from 1,092m
and 53m at 0.34% Ni, 149ppm Co, 136ppm Cu, 40ppb Pt+Pd from 1,154m
and 35m at 0.38% Ni, 159ppm Co, 113ppm Cu, 32ppb Pt+Pd from 1,154m
Which cumulatively total:
840m at 0.28% Ni, 140ppm Co, 103ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd
The assay results confirm Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation in the remobilised massive nickel sulphide veinlets seen in
the hole including:
MTD026
0.5m at 1.21% Ni, 490ppm Co, 1,455ppm Cu, 93ppb Pt+Pd from 116.5m
0.3m at 1.88% Ni, 846ppm Co, 762ppm Cu, 214ppb Pt+Pd from 224.3m
Commenting on the MTD026 assay results, WMG Managing Director Dr Caedmon Marriott said:
“MTD026 was our second EIS deep hole at Mulga Tank and certainly surpasses hole MTD023. We
have discovered a huge working nickel sulphide mineral system within the Mulga Tank Ultramafic
Complex. These assay results confirm the visual observations and clearly show over 800m of
disseminated nickel sulphide mineralisation. The system has a large footprint across the Complex
and could host globally significant tonnes of Mt-Keith-style mineralisation - even in just the top
couple of hundred metres.”
Commenting on the MTD026 assay results, WMG Technical Director Dr Ben Grguric added:
“Drilling at the Mulga Tank project continues to show broad intersections of disseminated sulphide
together with scattered intersections of high-grade remobilised nickel sulphide. These are clearly
hallmarks of a very significant mineralised system. The host rock, being continuous intersections of
hundreds of metres of adcumulate dunite, is indicative of a very large, very hot and energetic
magmatic system and this augurs extremely well for the prospectivity of the project. Whilst the
results of hole MTD026 are better than MTD023 this is likely not the best this type of system can
produce.
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
Our wide spaced holes have demonstrated mineralisation over several kilometres and we continue
to look for higher grade zones with our ongoing exploration drilling.”
MULGA TANK PHASE 2 DIAMOND DRILLING PROGRAM
WMG is currently undertaking an ongoing diamond drilling program at the Mulga Tank Project. Following the
Company’s recent capital raise (ASX, Capital Raise to Expand Mulga Tank Drilling, 13 April 2023) and
encouraging exploration results (ASX, MTD023 Assays Confirm Discovery of Significant Nickel Sulphide System,
5 April 2023) this program has been expanded with continuous drilling anticipated throughout 2023. Further drill
holes will continue to be added to the program with ongoing targeting work as the Company systematically
explores the Mulga Tank Complex. The program includes two deep co-funded EIS holes that have been drilled
with the aid of WMG’s EIS award (ASX, WMG Wins $220,000 EIS Award to Drill Mulga Tank, 17 October 2022).
HOLE MTD026
Hole MTD026 (EIS2) (planned hole MTP024) was the fifth hole of the Phase 2 program and is located
approximately halfway between holes MTD023 (EIS1) and MTD020. Both of these holes showed extensive
intersections of disseminated sulphide mineralisation, with hole MTD020 being the first significant occurrence
during the Phase 1 drilling program (ASX, Disseminated Sulphides Seen Over 300m in Hole MTD020, 26 July
2022; MTD020 Assays Confirm Extensive Working Mineral System, 7 November 2022). The hole attempted to
test the footprint of mineralisation across the body of the Complex and was drilled with the aid of WMG’s EIS
award (ASX, WMG Wins $220,000 EIS Award to Drill Mulga Tank, 17 October 2022).
The hole was drilled to a total depth of 1,548.3m and intersected ~1,400m of variably serpentinised and talccarbonate altered high MgO adcumulate to extreme adcumulate dunite ultramafic (60.2-1,469.7m), beneath
60.2m of sand cover (0-60.2m), before encountering a footwall of predominantly basalt and silicified shales at
1,469.7m depth (ASX, Completion of MTD026 and Upcoming MobileMT Survey, 27 June 2023). The dunite was
divided by an approximately ~38m thick dolerite unit (749-787.3m) that most likely represents a later dyke/sill.
This dolerite unit was seen at a nearly identical depth and thickness in hole MTD023.
Disseminated magmatic sulphides (trace to 2%) were observed down the majority of the hole, starting from
around 116m depth. In a number of places the disseminated sulphides coalesced into interstitial blebs (3 to 5%
sulphide) between former olivine crystals and also approached net textured (5 to 10% sulphide). Multiple
intersections of high-tenor remobilised massive nickel sulphide blebs and veining were also observed down the
length of the hole with these appearing to increase in frequency towards the basal contact of the Complex (ASX,
Completion of MTD026 and Upcoming MobileMT Survey, 27 June 2023).
HIGH MGO ADCUMULATE DUNITE
Assay results for MTD026 averaged 48.4% MgO and 0.25% Al2O3 (volatile free) over the logged ultramafic
portion of the hole (a cumulative 1,374.5m). Using Al2O3 as a proxy for interstitial material and MgO as a proxy
for temperature, geochemical characterisation shows the host rock to be nearly entirely high-temperature,
adcumulate to extremely adcumulate dunite with Al2O3 generally less than 0.5% and MgO greater than 40%.
This observation of extensive intersections of high MgO adcumulate dunite within the complex, starting
essentially immediately under the sand cover, has positive implications for the targeting of large volume, low
grade Type 2 Mt-Keith style disseminated nickel sulphide deposits within the Mulga Tank Complex.
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
Figure 1: MTD026 MgO and Al2O3 (volatile free)
EVIDENCE FOR SULPHIDES AS NICKEL HOST
Broad intersections of visible disseminated nickel sulphide mineralisation were observed down the hole,
cumulatively over approximately 950m. The geochemical assay results validate the geological logging and
confirm extensive zones of mineralisation with significant evidence for “live” magmatic sulphide chemical
processes.
In the absence of magmatic sulphide processes nickel is incorporated into olivine during crystallisation and
essentially trapped within the dunite host rock. Whereas, in “live” sulphur saturated mineral systems the nickel
will partition into potentially “recoverable” nickel sulphide form. A number of elements, such as Cu and in
particular PGE’s (Pt and Pd), have high affinity for sulphide, and in combination with S (and the S:Ni ratio) are
used as geochemical indicators to confirm the presence of active magmatic sulphide mineral processes.
The assay results for MTD026 demonstrate extensive zones of highly anomalous Cu and PGE’s in combination
with elevated S, and a S:Ni ratio greater than 0.5. These zones correlate well with the visible sulphides observed
in the geological logging and together provide strong evidence for nickel in sulphide.
Figure 2: MTD026 Cu and Pt+Pd
Figure 3: MTD026 S:Ni Ratio
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
A number of significant broad mineralised intersections were observed down the hole. These were generally
defined by a combination of the various geochemical indicators and cut-off grades (Ni >0.16%, Cu >20ppm,
Pt+Pd >20ppb, S:Ni >0.5), with only minimal inclusion of unmineralised material below mineable width. Other
smaller mineralised intersections were also identified, reflecting the ~950m of visible sulphide mineralisation
observed, but not reported here. The broad mineralised intersections defined were:
MTD026
130m at 0.31% Ni, 136ppm Co, 122ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd from 116m
inc. 13m at 0.35% Ni, 142ppm Co, 301ppm Cu, 65ppb Pt+Pd from 157m
and 158m at 0.27% Ni, 136ppm Co, 70ppm Cu, 19ppb Pt+Pd from 262m
and 38m at 0.28% Ni, 136ppm Co, 64ppm Cu, 16ppb Pt+Pd from 448m
and 104m at 0.24% Ni, 139ppm Co, 100ppm Cu, 22ppb Pt+Pd from 500m
inc. 16m at 0.40% Ni, 175ppm Co, 157ppm Cu, 45ppb Pt+Pd from 528m
and 32m at 0.31% Ni, 177ppm Co, 250ppm Cu, 30ppb Pt+Pd from 660m
and 258m at 0.26% Ni, 135ppm Co, 95ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd from 792m
and 32m at 0.31% Ni, 149ppm Co, 95ppm Cu, 15ppb Pt+Pd from 1,092m
and 53m at 0.34% Ni, 149ppm Co, 136ppm Cu, 40ppb Pt+Pd from 1,154m
and 35m at 0.38% Ni, 159ppm Co, 113ppm Cu, 32ppb Pt+Pd from 1,154m
Which cumulatively total:
840m at 0.28% Ni, 140ppm Co, 103ppm Cu, 24ppb Pt+Pd
In addition to the extensive Mt Keith-style disseminated mineralisation seen in the hole several remobilised
massive nickel sulphide veinlets were also observed. Assay results confirm Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation in the
veinlets and the possible nearby presence of massive sulphide accumulations:
MTD026
0.5m at 1.21% Ni, 490ppm Co, 1,455ppm Cu, 93ppb Pt+Pd from 116.5m
0.3m at 1.88% Ni, 846ppm Co, 762ppm Cu, 214ppb Pt+Pd from 224.3m
DISCUSSION
MTD026 was the second of two deep holes drilled with the aid of WMG’s Exploration Incentive Scheme award
(ASX, WMG Wins $220,000 EIS Award to Drill Mulga Tank, 17 October 2022). It was drilled approximately
halfway between holes MTD023 (EIS1) and MTD020. Both of these holes showed extensive intersections of
disseminated sulphide mineralisation.
The MTD026 geochemical assay results, along with previous results from holes MTD020, MTD022 and in
particular MTD023 (EIS), conclusively confirm the discovery of an extensive magmatic nickel sulphide mineral
system within the Mulga Tank Ultramafic Complex (ASX, MTD020 Assays Confirm Extensive Working Mineral
System, 7 November 2022; MTD022 Assays Confirm Broad Disseminated Mineralisation, 20 February 2023;
MTD023 Assays Confirm Discovery of Significant Nickel System, 5 April 2023).
These results show broad horizons of disseminated sulphide mineralisation over a cumulative ~840m downhole
thickness. This scale of mineralisation suggests the potential for large volumes of nickel sulphide to be hosted
within the Mulga Tank dunite body.
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
The uppermost, relatively shallow intersection of mineralisation seen between 116m to 246m depth (130m at
0.31% Ni from 116m, including 13m at 0.35% Ni from 157m) is particularly interesting given it appears to
correspond well with similar mineralisation at this depth seen in holes MTD012, MTD022 and MTD023 (EIS1),
which together form a section line across the Complex over approximately 2.3km. This mineralisation in the top
250 vertical metres could potentially be amenable to large scale open pit mining, especially considering the top
50-90m of sand cover is essentially “free-dig”, easily removable overburden.
HoleID
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Ni (%)
Co (ppm)
Cu (ppm)
Pt + Pd (ppb)
MTD012
177
197
227
213
50
16
0.32
0.38
124
132
25
38
12
16
MTD022
124
inc. 168
238
182
114
14
0.31
0.48
121
171
33
152
Not analysed
MTD023
118
inc. 176
196
196
78
20
0.28
0.38
131
137
70
57
32
45
MTD026
116
inc. 116.5
and inc. 157
and inc. 224.3
246
117
170
224.6
130
0.5
13
0.3
0.31
1.21
0.35
1.88
136
490
142
846
122
1,455
301
762
24
93
65
214
Table 1: Mulga Tank shallow intersections of nickel sulphide mineralisation in top 250m vertical metres
The Company has previously completed aqua regia testwork on this shallow mineralisation in holes MTD012,
MTD022 and MTD023 (and MTD020) that confirms nickel sulphide association and is a first step to validating
potentially recoverable nickel in sulphide (ASX, Aqua Regia Testwork Confirms Nickel Sulphide Association, 6
April 2023; MTD020 Assays Confirm Extensive Working Mineral System, 7 November 2022). Similar testwork
has been undertaken for hole MTD026 and the results will be announced tomorrow once the analysis and
interpretation is complete.
Figure 4: Cross Section through the centre of the Mulga Tank Ultramafic Complex
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
Figure 5: Assay results for disseminated sulphide mineralisation in the Mulga Tank Ultramafic Complex
The Company looks forward to updating shareholders on the continuing progress as this exciting drilling
program develops.
For further information please contact:
Dr Caedmon Marriott
Managing Director
Tel: +61 475 116 798
Email: contact@westernmines.com.au
This announcement has been authorised for release to the ASX by Dr Caedmon Marriott, Managing Director
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
APPENDIX
HoleID
From (m)
To (m)
Interval (m)
Ni (%)
Co (ppm)
Cu (ppm)
Pt + Pd (ppb)
MTD026
116
inc. 116.5
and inc. 157
and inc. 224.3
246
117
170
224.6
130
0.5
13
0.3
0.31
1.21
0.35
1.88
136
490
142
846
122
1,455
301
762
24
93
65
214
MTD026
262
420
158
0.27
136
70
19
MTD026
448
486
38
0.28
136
64
16
MTD026
500
inc. 528
604
544
104
16
0.24
0.40
139
175
100
157
22
45
MTD026
660
692
32
0.31
177
250
30
MTD026
792
1,050
258
0.26
135
95
24
MTD026
1,092
1,124
32
0.31
149
95
15
MTD026
1,154
1,207
53
0.34
149
136
40
MTD026
1,429
1,464
35
0.38
159
113
32
Table 2: Hole MTD026 significant intersections
HoleID
MTD026
Easting (MGA51)
Northing (MGA51)
Total Depth (m)
Azimuth
Dip
520897
6688842
1548.3
125
-75
Table 3: Collar details for hole MTD026
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
ABOUT WMG
Western Mines Group Ltd
Western Mines Group Ltd (ASX:WMG) is a mineral exploration company driven by the goal
ACN 640 738 834
Level 3, 33 Ord Street
West Perth
WA 6005
to create significant investment returns for our shareholders through exploration and
discovery of high-value gold and nickel sulphide deposits across a portfolio of highlyprospective projects located on major mineral belts of Western Australia.
Our flagship project and current primary focus is the Mulga Tank Ni-Cu-PGE Project, a
Board
Rex Turkington
Non-Executive Chairman
Dr Caedmon Marriott
Managing Director
major ultramafic complex found on the under-explored Minigwal Greenstone Belt.
Exploration results show significant evidence for an extensive working nickel sulphide
mineral system and is considered highly prospective for Ni-Cu-PGE mineralisation.
The Company’s primary gold project is Jasper Hill, where WMG has strategically
Francesco Cannavo
Non-Executive Director
consolidated a 3km mineralised gold trend with walk-up drill targets. WMG has a diversified
Dr Benjamin Grguric
Technical Director
Leonora in the heart of the WA Goldfields; Youanmi (Au), Pavarotti (Ni-Cu-PGE), Rock of
Capital Structure
Shares: 60.55m
Options: 21.12m
Share Price: $0.47
Market Cap: $28.46m
Cash (30/06/23): $3.27m
Follow us
portfolio of other projects including Melita (Au, Cu-Pb-Zn), midway between Kookynie and
Ages (Au), Broken Hill Bore (Au) and Pinyalling (Au, Cu, Li).
COMPETENT PERSONS STATEMENT
The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results and other technical
information complies with the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of
Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code) and has been
compiled and assessed under the supervision of Dr Caedmon Marriott, Managing Director
of Western Mines Group Ltd. Caedmon is a Member of the Australian Institute of
@westernmines
Geoscientists, a Member of the Society of Economic Geologists and a Member of the
westernmines
Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. He has sufficient experience that is relevant
Western Mines Group
to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity
being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the
JORC Code. Caedmon consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters
based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.
DISCLAIMER
Some of the statements appearing in this announcement may be in the nature of forward looking statements. You should be
aware that such statements are only predictions and are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. Those risks and
uncertainties include factors and risks specific to the industries in which WMG operates and proposes to operate as well as
general economic conditions, prevailing exchange rates and interest rates and conditions in the financial markets, among
other things. Actual events or results may differ materially from the events or results expressed or implied in any forward
looking statement. No forward looking statement is a guarantee or representation as to future performance or any other
future matters, which will be influenced by a number of factors and subject to various uncertainties and contingencies, many
of which will be outside WMG’s control.
WMG does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or release any revisions to these forward looking statements to
reflect events or circumstances after today's date or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. No representation or
warranty, express or implied, is made as to the fairness, accuracy, completeness or correctness of the information, opinions
or conclusions contained in this announcement. To the maximum extent permitted by law, none of WMG, its Directors,
employees, advisors or agents, nor any other person, accepts any liability for any loss arising from the use of the information
contained in this announcement. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statement. The
forward looking statements in this announcement reflect views held only as at the date of this announcement.
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
MULGA TANK PROJECT
JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE 1
SECTION 1: SAMPLING TECHNIQUES AND DATA
Criteria
Sampling
techniques
JORC Code explanation
Commentary
• Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, • Diamond core drilling was completed using
random chips, or specific specialised industry
standard industry best practice
standard measurement tools appropriate to the • NQ2 diamond core was cut in half or quarters
minerals under investigation, such as down hole
and sampled on either geological or whole
gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc).
metre intervals. Samples will be crushed and
These examples should not be taken as limiting the
pulverised to produce a sub-sample for
broad meaning of sampling.
analysis by either multi-element ICP-AES (MEICP61 and ME-ICP41), precious metals fire
• Include reference to measures taken to ensure
sample representivity and the appropriate calibration
assay (Au-AA25 or PGM-ICP23) and loss on
of any measurement tools or systems used.
ignition at 1,000°C (ME-GRA05)
Aspects
of
the
determination
of
mineralisation
that
•
• Portable XRF data collected at 50cm sample
are Material to the Public Report.
point spacing downhole, with a 20 second
beam time using 3 beams
In
cases
where
‘industry
standard’
work
has
been
•
done this would be relatively simple (eg ‘reverse • Model of XRF instrument was Olympus Vanta
circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples
M Series
from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g
charge for fire assay’). In other cases more
explanation may be required, such as where there is
coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems.
Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg
submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of
detailed information.
Drilling
techniques
• Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole • Diamond drilling comprised NQ2 core
hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) • The core was orientated using a downhole
and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube,
orientation tool at the end of every run
depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other
type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what
method, etc).
Drill sample
recovery
• Method of recording and assessing core and chip • Diamond core recoveries were logged and
sample recoveries and results assessed.
recorded in the database. Overall recoveries
were reported at >95% with no core loss
Measures
taken
to
maximise
sample
recovery
and
•
issues or significant sample recovery problems
ensure representative nature of the samples.
Diamond core was reconstructed into
•
Whether
a
relationship
exists
between
sample
•
continuous runs on an angle iron cradle for
recovery and grade and whether sample bias may
orientation marking. Depths were checked
have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/
against the depth given on the core blocks
coarse material.
and rod counts were routinely carried out by
the drillers
• Some portions of the core with visible sulphide
veining were quartered and removed for thin
section and sulphide characterisation work,
this biased selection of mineralisation may
result in underreporting of grade
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ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
Criteria
JORC Code explanation
Commentary
Logging
• Whether core and chip samples have been • Information on structure type, dip, dip
geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of
direction, alpha angle, beta angle, texture,
detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource
shape and fill material were collected and
estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies.
stored in the database
Logging of diamond core recorded lithology,
Whether
logging
is
qualitative
or
quantitative
in
•
•
mineralogy, mineralisation, structural,
nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography.
weathering, colour, and other features of the
• The total length and percentage of the relevant
samples. Core was photographed in both dry
intersections logged.
and wet form
• Drillhole was logged in full, apart from rock
roller diamond hole pre-collar intervals
Sub-sampling
techniques
and sample
preparation
• If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half • Core was cut in half and sampled on either
or all core taken.
geological intervals or 1 or 2 metre lengths for
geochemical assay
If
non-core,
whether
riffled,
tube
sampled,
rotary
split,
•
etc and whether sampled wet or dry.
• Some portions of the core with visible sulphide
veining were quartered and removed for thin
• For all sample types, the nature, quality and
section and sulphide characterisation work
appropriateness of the sample preparation technique.
Samples were crushed and pulverised to
•
Quality
control
procedures
adopted
for
all
sub•
produce a sub-sample for analysis by either
sampling stages to maximise representivity of
multi-element ICP-AES (ME-ICP61 or MEsamples.
ICP41), precious metals fire assay (Au-AA25 or
• Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is
PGM-ICP23) and loss on ignition at 1,000°C
representative of the in-situ material collected,
(ME-GRA05)
including for instance results for field duplicate/
• Sample sizes are considered appropriate for
second-half sampling.
the grain size and style of sulphide
• Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain
mineralisation targeted
size of the material being sampled.
• The nature, quality and appropriateness of the • Samples analysed by four-acid digest multiassaying and laboratory procedures used and
element ICP-AES (ME-ICP61) or precious
whether the technique is considered partial or total.
metals fire assay (Au-AA25 or PGM-ICP23) are
considered total or near total techniques
For
geophysical
tools,
spectrometers,
handheld
XRF
•
instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining • Samples analysed by aqua regia digest multithe analysis including instrument make and model,
element ICP-AES (ME-ICP41) is considered a
Quality of
reading times, calibrations factors applied and their
partial technique of soluble sulphide
assay data
derivation, etc.
and laboratory
• Standards representative of the grade of
tests
mineralisation anticipated were inserted
• Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg
standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory
approximately every 20-25 samples (4-5%)
checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy • ALS also follow their own QA/QC procedures
(i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established.
using standards and blacks
• No issues with the assay data have been
observed
Verification of
sampling and
assaying
ASX:WMG
• The verification of significant intersections by either • Significant reported assay results were verified
independent or alternative company personnel.
by multiple alternative company personnel
• The use of twinned holes.
• Assay data was compiled into a SQL
database server
• Documentation of primary data, data entry
procedures, data verification, data storage (physical
and electronic) protocols.
• Discuss any adjustment to assay data.
www.westernmines.com.au
11
ASX RELEASE | MTD026 ASSAYS - 840M OF NICKEL SULPHIDE MINERALISATION
Criteria
Location of
data points
Data spacing
and
distribution
JORC Code explanation
Commentary
• Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill • Drill holes located using a handheld GPS with
holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine
accuracy of +/-3m, downhole surveys used
workings and other locations used in Mineral
continuous gyro readings at 5m intervals
Resource estimation.
• Coordinates are in GDA94 UTM Zone 51
• Specification of the grid system used.
• Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
• Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results.
• The drilling completed was reconnaissance in
nature designed to test specific geological and
• Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient
geophysical targets for first pass exploration
to establish the degree of geological and grade
purposes only
continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and
O re R e s e r v e e s t i m a t i o n p ro c e d u re ( s ) a n d • No sample compositing
classifications applied.
• Whether sample compositing has been applied.
• Whether the orientation of sampling achieves • The drilling was planned to be approximately
unbiased sampling of possible structures and the
perpendicular to the interpreted stratigraphy
extent to which this is known, considering the deposit
and footwall con
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