Accelerate Resources Ltd (ASX:AX8) has intersected near-surface high-grade manganese zones in its initial reverse circulation (RC) drill campaign at the Woodie Woodie North Manganese Project in Western Australia.
To date, the company has drilled 40 holes at Area 42, of which 17 returned substantial assay results, including:
- 12 metres at 26.8% manganese (6.6% iron) from 11 metres, including 6 metres at 39.8% manganese from 12 metres;
- 10 metres at 18.7% manganese (18.6% iron) from 29 metres;
- 21 metres at 18.9% manganese (11.0% iron) from 67 metres;
- 8 metres at 23.9 manganese (11.6% iron) from 3 metres; and
- 10 metres at 20.2% manganese (9.8% iron) from 8 metres.
The results from Area 42 indicate multiple layers of manganese mineralisation similar in style to the Woodie Woodie mining camp to the south, with potential extensions at depth and along strike.
In light of these results, additional drilling is planned this quarter to establish a maiden mineral resource estimate (MRE) and follow up on the recently discovered Parson’s Creek Corridor where large manganese outcrops have been confirmed.
Drill summary
The latest phase of exploration drilling was carried out in late May and early June 2023, targeting strike and depth extensions to manganese mineralisation at the Area 42 prospect where earlier drilling by the company identified significant intersections of manganese mineralisation.
In total, AX8 drilling comprised 40 holes across 2,308 metres within Area 42, with 17 holes recording significant visual manganese mineralisation from downhole geological logging.
The latest drilling has also confirmed the presence of significant amounts of deeper manganese mineralisation beneath the surface cap, representing an attractive target with the potential to extend beyond the limits of the surface outcrop.
Forward plan
A new phase of RC drilling is planned for this quarter to follow up on existing mineralisation identified by previous drilling.
The program will include additional infill drilling with nominal spacing of 20 metres to 40 metres between drill holes for the development of a maiden MRE for the manganese mineralisation at Barra North and Barra South.
Drilling will also follow up on the recently discovered Parson’s Creek Corridor where large manganese outcrops have been confirmed over a strike of 5 kilometres.