Tempest Minerals Ltd (ASX:TEM) has fielded some strong gold findings during exploration at the Range Project in WA, just south of Mount Magnet, which is renowned for its rich gold mining history.
Multiple compelling targets
Following a thorough geological review, fieldwork and data consolidation, the company has defined multiple compelling exploration targets for rapid assessment.
Preliminary rock sampling has confirmed the presence of anomalous gold, with values reaching up to 1 g/t along strike from historical mining operations.
Tourmalinised quartz reef outcrop (1 g/t gold).
TEM is preparing for further fieldwork and expediting regulatory approvals for drilling to test these newfound targets.
A thorough review of recent geological insights has expanded the company’s understanding of the mineralisation potential in the area and pointed to the presence of other mineralisation types beyond the conventional narrow model.
The Range Project encompasses 17 tenements spanning 20 square kilometres, strategically positioned along the prolific six-million-ounce-plus Mount Magnet Operations.
Significant discoveries
Key geological features within the project area, such as the Meekatharra-Mt Gibson Fault, provide a promising framework for exploration.
Reconnaissance mapping and data reinterpretation have led to significant discoveries.
For example, metasedimentary outcrops, aligned with magnetic features, have been identified, potentially extending the mineralised zone found in the Britannia Well pit.
Rock chip samples from various outcrops along the Britannia Well Shear have produced noteworthy results, including:
- Wrangler Target (NYSE:TGT) - 1 g/t gold, 170 metres along the strike from the Britannia Well pit. This area is believed to be an extension of the pit's mineralised zone.
- Cherokee Target - 0.5 g/t gold, a new gold-bearing mineralisation zone located 1.5 kilometres along strike from the Britannia Well Pit.
Additionally, observations from mapping efforts have highlighted the presence of quartz veins, lodes associated with NNW trending foliation, extensive tourmalinisation, and more, all of which are believed to be linked to gold mineralisation.
Next steps
TEM is actively advancing its exploration efforts by:
- developing a regional geological model;
- planning further fieldwork and sampling programs;
- initiating drill planning for the Cherokee and Outlander targets; and
- awaiting regulatory approvals and conducting preparatory work, with the potential for a drilling program in 2024.