Apollo identifies high-grade mineralisation and new zones at Kroussou zinc-lead project
Rock chips from Apollo Minerals’ Kroussou project uncovered up to 20.16% zinc and lead.
A recent surface exploration program by Apollo Minerals (ASX: AON) at the Kroussou zinc-lead project in western Gabon has identified high-grade zinc-lead mineralisation and multiple new zones of mineralised outcrops.
Two phases of geological mapping and rock chip and soil sampling were carried out in late-2019 across the Dignali, Ofoubou and high-priority Niamabimbou targets to identify new base metals targets for future drilling campaigns, and to further interpret regional geology within sedimentary channels.
Mapping identified multiple new zones of mineralised outcrops extending over wide areas, each representing an exploration target with the potential to host significant shallow, zinc-lead mineralisation.
A total of 75 rock chip samples from Niamabimbou uncovered widespread mineralisation with best results including 20.16%, 15.20%, 10.71%, 8.15% and 7.98% combined zinc-lead.
Positive initial metallurgical testwork has confirmed high recoveries and produced separate, high-grade and high-quality zinc-lead concentrates with very low deleterious (or penalty) elements.
The surface exploration program was focused on defining sufficient shallow, high-grade zinc-lead mineralisation to justify the start of feasibility studies for Kroussou.
Project background
The Kroussou project is centred on prospecting licence G4-569 covering 986.5 square kilometres in the Ngounié Province of western Gabon, in central Africa.
Historical exploration work by the French geological survey Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières identified 150 base metal occurrences along a strike length of more than 70km of prospective geology within the project area.
They are hosted within 18 exposed channels offering shallow, near-surface targets close to basement rocks.
Only two of the channels have been drill tested in the past, and both have been shown to contain significant base metal mineralisation.
Recent drilling by Apollo’s joint venture partner Trek Metals on two near-surface targets has returned significant zinc-lead intervals, further validating the province-scale, base metal potential of the project area.
Apollo entered into an earn-in agreement with Trek in September, which will allow Apollo to earn an interest of up to 80% in Kroussou by spending $4 million on exploration over five years.
Apollo believes there are multiple opportunities for the discovery of further base metals mineralisation within the 14 remaining and untested channels.