Leeuwin Metals Ltd (ASX:LM1) has turned the soil on some promising preliminary nickel sulphide hits during its maiden drill program at the William Lake Nickel Project in Manitoba, Canada.
The explorer believes it’s looking at a major nickel system within the world-class Thomson Belt after visual observations confirmed sulphide mineralisation in all eight holes completed to date.
One of the best hits came from the W56 target, in which spot pXRF analysis returned a 1.4-metre massive to semi-massive sulphide zone and 5% nickel within a 24-metre zone of disseminated nickeliferous sulphides from 227.2 metres.
With around 4,000 metres of drilling under its belt, Leeuwin expects to see the first of its priority assays in the coming weeks, which it hopes will confirm the preliminary results.
Nickel system takes shape
Leeuwin Metals managing director Chris Piggott said results from the first drill program at William Lake show the project has all the hallmarks of a considerable nickel camp.
“This successful start to our exploration program has not only confirmed the accuracy of our existing geological model but has also showcased the immense scale of the project,” he explained.
“The utilisation of drilling and downhole electromagnetic techniques has further reinforced the view that our project represents a significant nickel system.
“Given the desirability of high-grade Class 1 nickel deposits in the context of the green energy transition, Leeuwin is in an ideal position to capitalise on this opportunity at William Lake."
Two prospects in the crosshairs
Leeuwin took the magnifying glass to William Lake’s diamond drill core alongside members of the Glencore (LON:GLEN) technical committee.
Diamond drill core from the W56 prospect.
Geologists and LM1 representatives are particularly interested in the W56 and W21 prospects, each of which has seen four holes and roughly 2,000 metres of diamond drilling thus far.
Interestingly, initial downhole electromagnetic testing at W21 has identified a large conductor — measuring 200 metres by 60 metres — which coincides with higher grades of nickel mineralisation in historical drilling.
LM1 expects to see more survey results shortly, deepening its understanding of the Manitoba nickel deposit.
Moving on to the massive sulphide hits at W56, the explorer plans to drill more holes and target a suspected high-grade shoot.
Results from this work can provide additional vectors to high-grade massive sulphide nickel targets — data that will support the ongoing drill program at William Lake.
Assays on the way
The assay waiting game is on as Leeuwin compile the last of its drill hole and survey results.
“We extend our gratitude to the Glencore technical committee personnel for their attendance during the project site visit,” Piggott concluded.
“Their presence and input are greatly appreciated. We look forward to updating the market in the coming weeks, as we receive results from our assays.”
Read more on Proactive Investors AU
