Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) is systematically appraising the Carter Well Project in a potential new greenstone belt of Western Australia’s Murchison region with this approach including an initial first-pass auger drilling program which is underway.
This exploration is focused on newly identified greenstone terrain which was historically incorrectly interpreted as granite.
The program will consist of 1,298 auger holes, designed to target gold and nickel-copper pathfinder mineralisation.
“Effective test”
Aruma managing director Glenn Grayson said: “We are excited to have commenced work at the Carter Well Project.
"This extensive, shallow auger program is designed to provide an effective test of our exploration model at the project and represents the first drill testing of a potential new Greenstone belt.”
The Carter Well Project (E58/590), which was added to Aruma’s project portfolio in 2022, covers 294 square kilometres and is 75 kilometres east of Mt Magnet, and north of the Windimurra Intrusive Complex.
First drill testing
Aruma’s extensive shallow auger drilling of about 1,300 auger holes of variable spacings at Carter Well represents the first drill testing of a potential new greenstone belt.
The focus is predominantly on areas identified for their greenstone and mafic intrusive characteristics, while also incorporating a broader spaced testing approach over areas interpreted to host granitic features.
The auger drilling provides a cost-effective and highly effective means of helping delineate potential anomalies within the unexplored Carter Well Project area.
Further plans
Subject to the results of this initial program, the company plans to conduct further, targeted auger drilling, with the aim of better defining and refining priority targets for a potential maiden reverse circulation (RC) drilling program, currently planned for early 2024.
"Subject to results, we will look to further drill test any targets identified with auger drilling, and then deeper RC drilling of priority targets,” Grayson said.
“Consistent with commitment”
"Our exploration at Carter Well is consistent with our commitment to explore the assets within the company’s current project portfolio in a systematic and timely manner.”
A total of 1,298 samples are planned to be collected from this initial drilling and results will be released when available.
The program is being conducted by drilling contractors Auger Australia.
Aruma’s greenstone interpretation of the project is supported by regional geophysical magnetic survey, which suggests that the area is not granite, and field mapping has shown that mafic stratigraphy does exist at Carter Well.