Leeuwin Metals Ltd (ASX:LM1) has identified a number of iron ore targets at the West Pilbara Iron Ore Project in Western Australia after fielding highly encouraging rock chip results of more than 50% iron (Fe) along a 1.7-kilometre strike.
The targets, described by the company as “compelling”, were identified through satellite imagery and regional mapping.
A subsequent first-pass sampling program has provided evidence of channel iron deposit (CID) mineralisation and returned strong grades and low levels of impurities:
- 55.27% Fe, 62.4% calcined iron (Ca Fe), 2.27% aluminium oxide (Al2O3), 6.74% silicon dioxide (SiO2), 0.02% phosphorus (P) and 11.42% loss on ignition (LOI);
- 54.94% Fe, 62.22% Ca Fe, 2.1% Al2O3, 7.1% SiO2, 0.015% P and 11.7% LOI;
- 53.73% Fe, 60.27% Ca Fe, 2.65% Al2O3, 8.88% SiO2, 0.002% P and 10.85% LOI; and
- 52.08% Fe, 58.35% Ca Fe, 2.82% Al2O3, 10.02% SiO2, 0.470% P and 10.75% LOI.
Sample PWRK0090 returned 55.27% Fe.
Mineralisation remains open along strike with follow-up fieldwork to begin in the coming weeks in an effort to expand the project’s footprint.
“An exciting start”
Managing director Christopher Piggott said: “The assay results received from West Pilbara Iron Ore Project provide an exciting start to revealing the extent of a potential CID deposits in a world-class region in Western Australia.
"With these first-pass results, there is potential for a project of scale, with encouraging grades and low impurities.”
The sampling results have been returned from an area that is just 13 kilometres north of Rio Tinto’s Mesa A mine, which has substantial CID mineralisation. It is also in proximity to CZR Resources' Robe Mesa project and Macro Metals' Deepdale project.
West Pilbara Project and peer map showing proximity to significant CID resources regionally.
This strategic location not only aligns Leeuwin with significant industry players but also enhances its prospects to advance any discovery within the project, which was added to Leeuwin’s portfolio as a result of internal project generation.
CID pointers
The West Pilbara Iron Ore Project is prospective for CID with multiple target areas present. These areas are close to the North-West Costal Highway, with excellent infrastructure being 150 kilometres southwest of Ashburton Port at Onslow and the port of Port Hedland 380 kilometres northeast accessed via sealed highway.
"The Pilbara is home to world-class iron ore mines with the region well supported by excellent infrastructure within access to Leeuwin’s tenure,” Piggott said.
"With exploration ongoing by Leeuwin’s dedicated staff at the Cross Lake Lithium Project in Manitoba, Canada, and work programs running in parallel by the Western Australia team, we look forward to providing strong news to market in the second half of 2024.”
Exploration program
Leeuwin’s exploration program is focused on target areas prospective for buried CID within the BBQ Valley trend, where transported cover is present. Initial fieldwork indicates potential for sub-cropping and outcropping CID mineralisation.
The company's findings highlight the BBQ Valley trend as a priority for follow-up fieldwork, including detailed mapping, sampling and geophysical surveys to better delineate the mineralisation.
To further evaluate the project, the company plans to undertake a two-week field mapping and rock chip sampling program.
The tenure is currently pending with a priority on advancing it to grant by finalising all necessary third-party agreements.