West Wits Mining Ltd (ASX:WWI)’s farm-in partner Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO) Exploration Pty Ltd has completed its first pass drill program at the Mt Cecelia Project in the Paterson Province of Western Australia.
The program drill-tested the SGC-1 anomaly identified from the heliborne and ground electromagnetic (EM) surveys previously undertaken by the company at the project.
Rio Tinto completed 1,036 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling on the target, surpassing the minimum 800-metre commitment of drilling during 2022 under the farm-In & JV agreement.
Moving forward, samples have been sent to ALS labs for assaying with results expected in the March quarter of 2023.
Maiden drill results
WWI CEO Jac van Heerden said: “The completion of drill testing target SGC-1 at our Mt Cecelia Project by farm-In partner, Rio Tinto Exploration, leads the way for further exploration of this highly prospective exploration tenement in Western Australia’s Paterson Province.
“With drilling now complete, assay results will be reported as soon as they become available in the new year.
“We look forward to receiving the maiden drill results, modelling and interpretation of this exciting prospect before embarking on the next phase of Stage 1 exploration in 2023’s field season.”
Drill program
RTX’s drill program comprised four reverse circulation holes across 1,036 metres at its maiden drill program at Mt Cecelia.
The first pass drilling program targeted a moderate-strong electromagnetic (EM) anomaly identified from airborne and ground EM surveys previously undertaken by West Wits.
These anomalies were interpreted as potential bedrock conductors that may represent base metal sulphide mineralisation.
The drill program was initially planned for three angled holes with three vertical holes also designed due to the possibility of challenging cover preventing drilling to basement depths using angular projection.
Forward plan
Detailed logging with pXRF testing of samples taken was completed and a 50mm PVC casing has been installed to allow future down-hole EM surveys.
The samples retrieved have been submitted for detailed laboratory analysis with results expected in the March quarter of 2023.
Subsequently, the JV will consider the next steps for the Mt Cecelia project’s exploration program.