Final 2024 assays are in for Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX:AZ9), which spent the latter half of last year conducting an aggressive drilling program at the Oval Copper-Nickel-Platinum Group Elements Project in Mongolia.
The results have given the critical minerals company a boost as it prepares for its 2025 campaign.
High-grade results
“The 2024 Phase 1 and 2 drilling and exploration programs have confirmed the broad presence of high-grade mineralisation in the Oval gabbroic intrusion,” managing director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren said.
“The grades intercepted in some of the drill holes are exceptional and may be indicative of broader potential over a larger area, given Oval is a greenfields discovery.
“The 2025 exploration program will focus on obtaining information on the size/metal content potential of the Oval copper-nickel-PGE mineral system as well as targeting the possible deeper magmatic sources at Oval.”
Highlights
The laboratory has returned results such as:
- 6.1 metres of massive sulphide mineralisation grading 4.16% copper, 3.51% nickel, 0.93 g/t E3 (platinum, palladium and gold) and 0.13% cobalt from 98.2 metres, situated between broader mineralised zones; and
- 1.8 metres of massive sulphide grading 3.21% copper, 3.32% nickel, 0.69 g/t E3 and 0.14% cobalt from 105 metres within a broader mineralised zone of 19.8 metres grading 1.23% copper, 0.98% nickel and 0.36 g/t E3.
These results provide confirmation of the continuity of high-grade mineralisation between previously identified zones, with the OVD026 drill hole only 100 metres northwest of the massive sulphide intersection identified in OVD021.
Phase 2 exploration insights
The Phase 2 program focused on identifying high-grade mineralisation within the olivine-amphibole gabbro at Oval.
Multiple intersections of massive and disseminated sulphide mineralisation across different drill holes highlight the potential for deeper, high-grade mineral sources.
The company’s geologists believe these findings point to significant upside in the broader Oval prospect area.
Downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys have identified untested conductive plates with high conductivity, which are expected to be prioritised for drilling in the 2025 program.
These targets could further expand the mineralised footprint at Oval.
Next (LON:NXT) steps
“Broader exploration is also planned at potential extensions of Oval and nearby look-a-like prospects. We look forward to updating shareholders on progress, with drilling expected to commence in around eight weeks,” Zunduisuren said.
This program will focus on defining the size and metal content potential of the Oval copper-nickel-PGE mineral system, as well as investigating potential deeper magmatic sources.
Additionally, further geological and geophysical analyses, including gravity and electromagnetic surveys, will be conducted during the Mongolian winter to refine drill targets.
About Asian Battery Metals
Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX:AZ9) is a mineral exploration and development company advancing its portfolio of projects in Mongolia, including the Oval Project, Khukh Tag graphite and Tsagaan Ders lithium assets.
The company’s focus is on securing resources critical for the energy transition, aligning with global demand for battery and renewable energy materials.