Belararox (ASX:BRX) reports that a fixed-loop and downhole electromagnetic survey (FLEM and DHEM) data together with conductance plate modelling of this EM data, have confirmed the extension of mineralisation at Native Bee.
The primary purpose of the FLEM and DHEM surveys was to test for extensions to known mineralisation within the broader Belara and Native Bee Project.
The Belara and Native Bee mines have been drilled to a depth of around 400m and have ‘massive’ sulphide mineralisation showing ‘excellent’ continuity and containing ‘significant’ intersections of zinc, copper, silver, lead, and gold.
The FLEM survey area comprised of three loops:
- Known and down-dip mineralisation at Belara (Loop 1)
- Mineralisation along strike, and down-dip of Native Bee (Loop 4a)
- Further south of the historical mining area at Native Bee, testing along strike extensions (Loop 5)
Line spacing for the FLEM was 50m, and the DHEM used the same loop with downhole surveys completed on selected drillholes to assist in conductance plate modelling with the FLEM data.
Results from the Loop 1 FLEM modelled plate lie within the known zone of mineralisation.
However, the company reports that significantly higher conductance of this plate suggests either a local zone of more conductive sulphide (other than sphalerite, being less conductive), increased thickness of mineralisation or both.
Results from Loop 1 DHEM anomalies in drillholes BLRC019D, BLRC020D and B030 are also incomplete, as the deepest parts of the holes, closest to the mineralisation, could not be surveyed.
All 3 of the drillholes show the responses increasing towards the bottom of the holes, indicating conductors beyond the end of the holes and there is sufficient data in all 3 holes to enable conductivity plate modelling.
Belararox notes that for Loop1, a good fit to the observed data was achieved by constraining the dip and dip direction of the conductor to be those of known mineralisation, with the resulting modelled mineralised plates showing quite good consistency with the known mineralisation, and with the anomaly observed in the FLEM data from Loop 1.
At Native Bee, the Loop 4a FLEM response aligns with a steeply dipping tabular body consistent with drillhole intersections.
Drillholes NBRC001 and NBRC002 also show a clear off-hole DHEM anomalies, which have been modelled with ‘small, high-conductance’ plates.
These plates are consistent with the position and attitude of the known mineralisation at Native Bee.
Furthermore the Loop 5 FLEM survey confirms that the mineralisation at Native Bee is open along strike to the south and down dip, consistent with a ground array induced polarisation (GAIP) chargeability anomaly that extends around 1km to the south of the mineralisation.
This suggests a potential extension of the mineralisation in this direction.
Additional chargeability anomalies are also present immediately to the east, and to the northeast of Native Bee.
Belararox Managing Director Arvind Misra said these electromagnetic survey results provide further evidence of the inherent value in the wider Belara Project.
“They confirm continuity of the massive sulphide zones at Belara and identify mineralisation along-strike and down-dip at Native Bee.
“The Native Bee-related developments are great news, as they further enlarge the area containing potential high value targets”
The Native Bee-related developments are great news, as they further enlarge the area containing potential high value targets. This, in turn, increases our scope of operations in upcoming drill programs, including the soon to be set in motion phase two campaign.
Thanks to the sustained efforts of our staff, laboratory assay testing and metallurgical test work remain on track to support the completion of a Mineral Resource Estimate and supporting Competent Persons Report due for release later this month.”
Planning for Belararox’s phase two drill program at the Belara Project is now well underway, and it will test high-priority targets mapped by already completed prospectivity modelling, Phase two drilling will also be undertaken with due regard to the results from the DHEM and FLEM survey.
A geophysical workshop will be held to identify the most efficient techniques to use to reduce exploration cost for future programs.
All laboratory assay testing and metallurgical test work is on track to support the completion of a Mineral Resource Estimate and supporting Competent Persons Report through October.
Belararox is a mineral explorer focused on securing and developing resources to meet the surge in demand from the technology, battery and renewable energy markets. Its projects currently include the potential for zinc, copper, gold, silver, nickel and lead resources.
Belararox has a 100% interest in the 643km-square Belara Project located in the Lachlan Ford Belt of New South Wales, where drilling is underway to rapidly deliver a Mineral Resource Estimate in early H2 2022.
Belararox also has a 100% interest in the 49km-square Bullabulling Project, located in the ‘proven’ gold producing Bullabulling goldfield near Coolgardie, Western Australia.
The Bullabulling Project surrounds the 3Moz Bullabulling Gold Project and is along strike of the Nepean Nickel Mine with 3D geology and prospectivity mapping already completed and drill targets generated.
Belararox’s initial focus is to deliver an Inferred Resource that is reported in accordance with the JORC 2012 Code over the historic mines at Belara and Native Bee.
The panned exploration programs will determine the potential of the Belara Project to host commercial quantities of mineralisation and timing for the commencement of potential further testing in order to assess the economic viability of Belara.
The first phase of drilling at Belara has been completed, and this has delivered a drill density to allow a resource estimation that is prepared in accordance with the JORC Code as well as geological and metallurgical information.
Modern exploration techniques, both geological and geophysical, as well as new 3D geological models and 3D machine learning assisted computer modelling techniques, have been used to develop and prioritise new regional targets, with the aim of having a pipeline of potential resource targets ready for evaluation.
A second phase of drilling will explore the potential for extensions and repetitions of ‘massive’ sulphide mineralisation based on the results of this targeting.
In addition, Belararox will assess any other opportunities within the region that have a strategic fit.
Images: Belararox Ltd
