Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX:AZ9) has launched the first phase of drilling at the Oval copper-nickel prospect, part of the Yambat Project in Mongolia, aimed at confirming the strike length and depth of mineralisation identified in reconnaissance drilling last year.
The first of a two-phase program, this round of diamond drilling will consist of 2,500 metres across six drill holes ranging from 250 metres to 500 metres in depth.
AZ9 will then perform a borehole electromagnetic (EM) geophysical survey across the drilled holes, using a 3-component fluxgate (EMIT DigiAtlantis) coil and Zonge GGT30 transmitter.
The company believes this data will enable structural mapping of the prospect’s geology and increase its understanding of other targets that share similar geology nearby.
Finally, the results will also be used to target the second phase of drilling.
About the project
The Oval, a new discovery of a magmatic copper-nickel sulphide mineral system, is 1,100 kilometres from Ulaanbaatar and 9 kilometres from an all-season access paved public road.
Within the Yambat Project, it is in the southwestern part of the country in the Gobi-Altai Province and is secured by a 100 square kilometres mineral exploration tenement.
AZ9 is also advancing the Khukh Tag graphite and Tsagaan Ders lithium projects in Mongolia.
Technical consultant appointed
To support its upcoming drilling programs, AZ9 has selected Bob Dennis for the role of technical consultant.
Dennis has more than 45 years of experience in the fields of mineral exploration, feasibility, due diligence, resource audit, geologic review, mine geology, mining and metallurgical management.
He has previously provided advice on strategic exploration and project development for grassroots, brownfield and mine-based projects for base, precious and battery metals in many areas of the world including Russia, Mongolia, Niger, DRC, Madagascar, Philippines, China and Australia.