A test IP geophysical survey at the Korhogo Project of Mako Gold Ltd (ASX:MKG) in Côte d’Ivoire has identified manganese mineralisation in wide manganese bands extending to depth.
The complementary test IP geophysical survey was conducted on the project’s Ouangolodougou Permit, which is 70 kilometres north of the operating Lagnonkaha manganese mine.
This survey indicated that manganese may be present from surface to at least 250 metres deep. Anomalies were delineated along significant strike and with widths of up to 140 metres, indicating that subsurface manganese mineralisation may be quite wide.
Coincide with outcrops
These anomalies coincide with mapped manganese outcrops and a previously drilled reverse circulation (RC) drill hole, validating IP as a useful tool to identify sub-surface manganese. The use of IP significantly improved the geological interpretation of the manganese-rich bands.
The pole-dipole IP survey was conducted on a 1.4 square kilometre grid with lines spaced at 100-metre intervals. The survey area was selected to cover known manganese outcrops from mapping by the company as well as to cover one of the 10 RC holes drilled by Mako.
Additionally, a 1.7-kilometre extension to line L850 was completed to cover some of the other manganese bands identified by mapping and rock chip sampling.
IP a valid tool
Mako managing director Peter Ledwidge said: “We are delighted that the complementary IP geophysical survey has proved successful in identifying manganese.
“The test grid and single extension line identified IP anomalies coincident with manganese outcrops from mapping and/or manganese in drill holes. This confirms IP as a valid tool to identify sub-surface manganese, which is reassuring, considering the large areas on the permit that are devoid of outcrop.
“It is also very encouraging that the IP anomalies are strong to depths of 250 metres and that four of the five IP anomalies are over 100 metres in width.
“This increases our confidence that we have discovered what could potentially be a world-class manganese deposit that extends for 8 kilometres along strike and could extend to at least 250 metres in depth.”
Visit to Lauzoua
Mako management recently completed a site visit of the operational Lauzoua manganese mine owned by CML (Compagnie Minière du Littoral). The primary objective was to compare mineralisation at the mine to what Mako has seen on the Korhogo Project.
Management noted many similarities including the vertical to sub-vertical orientation of manganese bands, while the manganese rock itself looked very similar to rocks seen at the Korhogo Project.
CML’s Lauzoua mine in Côte d’Ivoire with sheared vertical manganese bands similar to the sheared manganese on Mako’s Korhogo Project.
Trench completed
A 100-metre trench has been excavated, mapped and channel sampled ahead of preliminary metallurgical testing.
Samples have been sent to the lab and will be analysed in-house by pXRF. Once the analysis of the channel samples is completed, a 170-kilogram sample will undergo metallurgical testing.
Tests will evaluate options for the recovery of coarse manganese at saleable grade for steel production with relatively simple flowsheet options.
Partnership discussions
Mako says it is seeking a potential strategic partnership on the Korhogo Manganese Project and has started sharing data with potentially interested parties.
The company is seeking a strategic partnership to get a third party to finance exploration and the potential development of the project, while Mako will retain a significant upside in the Korhogo Project.
This would allow Mako to concentrate its efforts on advancing the flagship Napié Gold Project.
Napié Project
At Napié — a priority focus for exploration for Mako — geological mapping and rock chip sampling is ongoing in new prospective areas to generate new drill targets. This follows the discovery of new high-grade gold zones identified by mapping.
Mako’s managing director and general manager exploration are on the ground evaluating the new high-grade gold zones, including the Double Zone and other high-priority targets at Tchaga North. The objective is to design a drill program to test the yet to be drilled east-west structures.
Mako management has also scheduled a site visit for due diligence of the Goldridge Konan Project with the aim of completing the potential transaction.