Kin Mining NL (ASX:KIN) has begun taking a closer look at the VHMS base metals mineralisation at Albus, a recently discovered target within its 100%-owned Cardinia East Project in Western Australia, with diamond drilling underway.
The ASX-lister uncovered a significant base metals intersection earlier this month, as part of an ongoing strategic review of Cardinia’s broader potential for new discoveries and other styles of mineralisation.
Additionally, recent geochemical analysis has further expanded the scale of the base metals potential at Cardinia East, identifying four additional favourable horizons for VHMS mineralisation over a 40-kilometre-plus-long corridor.
The Albus target returned assays such as 5.7 metres at 5.3% zinc, 0.34% copper, 0.3% lead, 40 parts per million (ppm) silver and 1.0 ppm gold from 270.3 metres, including 0.7 metres at 10% zinc and 77 ppm silver from 270.3 metres.
Excitement in the air
“We are excited to be drilling and testing the Albus intersection with down-hole EM also planned to evaluate the mineralisation,” Kin Mining executive chairman Rowan Johnston said.
“Now (that) we have outlined these new prospective horizons, the size and scope of this project will greatly increase the potential for a significant base metal discovery.
“The diamond drilling program has just commenced and we are excited to see core from the first hole targeting Albus in the coming weeks, although complete assays may be some weeks away.”
Current plan
The diamond drilling at Albus is part of a planned 3,000-metre multi-pronged exploration program investigating the base metals potential throughout the Minerie Domain, where the Cardinia East Project is located.
Down-hole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys will also be carried out to test the viability of this method on the newly discovered mineralisation.
Other targets to be tested include a 600-metre diamond hole underneath the Helens gold deposit and another 600-metre diamond hole underneath Cardinia Hill.
Both holes have been designed to pierce the projected mineralised gold structures at more than 200 metres down depth, with the aim of expanding the potential gold footprint.
Assay results are expected towards the end of the first quarter.
Plan for the Q1 diamond drilling program.
Building a strong database
In conjunction with the drilling, favourable horizons and other chert zones identified in the existing drill database will be re-logged.
The favourable horizons will be mapped along strike and sampled across the entire tenement package to strengthen the database and close-in on new drill targets.
“The quality of the new work demonstrates the enthusiasm and excitement from our exploration team to prove the potential that our tenure offers,” Johnston said.
“We are continuing to apply modern and collaborative exploration techniques and knowledge to quickly demonstrate the potential for a major discovery and build a platform of new data to drive our fully-funded exploration effort.
“Understanding of this newly discovered base metal system will also further enhance our deep targeting for high-grade gold deposits and ongoing testing of key structural zones at Cardinia.”