Avira Resources Ltd (ASX:AVW) is scheduled to kick off exploration this month for copper-nickel-cobalt and gold at its Puolalaki Project in Sweden.
This campaign comprises exploration stages one and two consisting of airborne magnetic, fixed-loop EM surveys and diamond core drilling.
The work plan covers estimated exploration work until the end of the March quarter of next year.
Looking ahead, Avira’s initial diamond drilling is projected to take about 8-12 weeks within this timeframe.
Geophysical measurements
Geophysical measurements including an airborne UAV magnetic survey and a ground-based fixed loop EM survey both on the ground surface and in drill holes are planned to kick off during the current northern hemisphere winter.
The UAV magnetic survey will include about 175-275 line kilometres with survey lines planned at 25 metre-40 metre spacings.
It is estimated that the work will be completed within a one-week period and is dependent on weather conditions.
The survey will be flown with a Quadcopter carrying a GEM-GSMP35 potassium magnetometer.
In addition, a fixed loop configuration will be used with the transmitter loop shall be 600x400 metres.
Diamond drilling
Avira’s initial drilling with comprise two-eight diamond drill holes totalling around 2,500 drill metres.
Depending on results of these initial holes, additional drill holes may be added both inside and outside the preliminary drilling area as work progresses.
The diamond drilling will be carried out using a tracked-mounted drill rig with low ground pressure and comparable in size to a forest tractor.
About the project
The project comprises a single exploration permit centred over the target gabbro intrusion.
It is in Sweden’s premier Gällivare mining district which is host to Europe’s largest open-cut copper mine Aitik, owned by Boliden and to LKAB’s Malmberget iron-ore mine.
At Puolalaki, nickel-copper mineralisation is hosted in a syn-orogenic gabbro intrusion that displays evidence of fractional crystallisation and segregation of the mafic melt.