Future Metals NL (ASX:FME, AIM:FME) has secured approval – and a drilling contractor – for a program of works involving 3,000 metres of initial diamond drilling at the Panton Project in Western Australia, to begin next month once current ground exploration surveys are complete.
The company is targeting nickel-copper-platinum group element (PGE) sulphide accumulations outside the existing resource at Panton with geophysical surveys overseen by newly appointed senior exploration advisor Dr Jon Hronsky.
A detailed ground-based gravity survey, which is almost complete, is being used to map the geological structures of the Panton tenure at depth, while a surface fixed loop and moving loop ground electromagnetic (EM) survey is due to begin shortly.
“Progressing multiple value drivers”
“It’s incredibly exciting to kick off our 2022 field season at Panton on the back of our exploration review,” Future Metals managing director and CEO Jardee Kininmonth said.
“The review highlighted that the Panton Project is highly prospective with respect to making a nickel-copper-PGE sulphide discovery in the previously untested lower portion of the stratigraphy of the ultramafic series.
“We are targeting a discovery outside of the existing resource area, with different geological association, more akin to the Platreef or Gonneville deposits.
“The company is progressing multiple value drivers with this exploration program, scoping study and metallurgical test-work activities.
“I am also pleased to have Dr Jon Hronsky join our team on an ongoing basis as senior exploration advisor. Jon was instrumental in our exploration review and developing the Panton exploration model.
“He brings over 35 years of experience exploring layered intrusives such as ours, including as leader of generative exploration for WMC Resources and BHP (ASX:BHP).”
Future Metals expects site access works and drill pad preparation to begin during the first week of October.
A drilling contractor has been secured to complete an initial 3,000-metre diamond drill program, with a drill rig expected at site in early October 2022.
The exploration program is being undertaken in parallel to the ongoing scoping study and metallurgical test-work program underway on the existing 6.9-million-ounce palladium-equivalent resource.