A maiden drilling program is underway at WA1 Resources’ (ASX: WA1) West Arunta project in Western Australia, which is targeting three “significant” anomalies prospective for iron-oxide-copper-gold-style mineralisation and rare earths.
The program will comprise six reverse circulation holes and test the Pachpadra and Luni prospects.
Four holes will be drilled at Pachpadra and will focus on the P1 and P2 anomalies.
The final two holes will be completed at Luni.
All holes are testing the peak of each gravity and magnetic high, which were identified via geophysical magnetic and gravity surveying along with surface sampling and mapping.
Holes will be completed to depths between 240m and 400m and the program is expected to take about three weeks to complete.
“WA1 listed on the ASX in February this year to undertake responsible exploration, which has the potential to be transformative to our stakeholders,” WA1 managing director Paul Savich noted.
Advancing West Arunta
Mr Savich said the company’s exploration activities over West Arunta have “reinforced” its exploration model and provided confidence for drilling.
“We have systematically advanced our understanding of the West Arunta project over the past four years, with a focus on acquiring complementary assets.”
“We have now commenced the first drill testing of significant geophysical anomalies in a region, which has seen extremely limited exploration and where potential remains to make a major discovery.”
West Arunta is also believed prospective for magmatic-style nickel and copper mineralisation.
To help fund the drilling program, the Western Australian Government has granted $150,000 to WA1 under the exploration incentive scheme.
The grant will assist with drill costs at the P1 and P2 targets at Pachpadra.
“With a current cash position of approximately $3.6 million, we have a strong balance sheet to support any follow-up exploration and activities,” Mr Savich added.
West Arunta straddles the Western Australian and Northern Territory borders and only one holes has been previously drilled on WA1’s tenure.
The Pachpadra anomaly is 12km long.
