The discovery of a high-grade graphite target at the Mason Bay prospect of the Springdale Project has marked the fourth high-quality graphite discovery for International Graphite Ltd (ASX:IG6), just 2 kilometres from the main Springdale resource.
Results from this latest round of drilling graded up to 29.3% total graphitic carbon (TGC), and IG6’s flotation tests have shown very strong graphite concentrate and recovery results, with concentrate of more than 95% purity and recovery rates in excess of 93% achieved.
Overall, the company completed a total of 60 reverse circulation (RC) holes at Mason Bay for some 5,056 metres drilled at an average depth of 84 metres.
Ideal for graphite concentrate
“Mason Bay is our fourth discovery since we started drilling at Springdale in mid-2022,” International Graphite managing director and CEO Andrew Worland said.
“The fact that it is so close – only 2 kilometres east of the existing Springdale mineral resource – makes it particularly exciting.
“Initial flotation tests on samples from Mason Bay drilling demonstrate that it is ideal for producing high-grade graphite concentrate with excellent recoveries.”
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Standout assays from this round of drilling include:
- 15 metres at 11.3% TGC from 38 metres downhole;
- 16 metres at 11.7% from 13 metres downhole;
- 6 metres at 13.3% from 31 metres downhole;
- 19 metres at 8.4% from 55 metres downhole;
- 9 metres at 17.3% from 33 metres, including 4 metres at 29.3% from 34 metres downhole;
- 5 metres at 9.7% from 82 metres downhole; and,
- 2 metres at 9.2% from 59 metres downhole
“This reinforces our confidence that Springdale, including Mason Bay, has all the attributes necessary for a highly competitive concentrate operation – consistent, shallow mineralisation, with high-grade graphite zones and outstanding flotation characteristics,” Worland continued.
“We expect to revise the mineral resource estimate for the Springdale Graphite Project as soon as we have the remaining assays for both Springdale and Mason Bay.
“We also see significant opportunity for more graphite discoveries at Springdale in the future.
“Anomalies to the north of the existing mineral resource cover an area similar in size and are yet to be tested.”
Airborne electromagnetic survey (AEM) image showing conductive material in relation to resource areas and new targets at the Springdale Graphite Project
IG6’s latest round of drilling at Springdale is now complete, with 12 diamond and 261 RC infill and expansion holes drilled since June last year for a total of about 20,465 metres.
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