Azure Minerals continues successful exploration streak at Andover, more nickel-copper hit at VC-23 discovery

Azure Minerals’ (ASX: AZS) exploration streak has continued at Andover with the company unearthing more nickel-copper sulphides at the recent VC-23 discovery.

Another four holes undertaken at VC-23 have intersected shallow nickel-copper sulphides after fixed loop and downhole electromagnetic surveys identified the anomaly.

VC-23 was the second highest priority target after VC-07 where drilling last year hit nickel-copper mineralisation in every hole.

All-up, seven holes have been completed at VC-23, with the latest three holes extending known mineralisation more than 150 east-to-west. Mineralisation also remains open along strike and down dip.

Meanwhile, the fourth hole tested another geophysical target and uncovered a 4.6m zone of continuous massive and semi-massive sulphides.

Although results from official analysis are pending, Azure noted its on-site geologists verified the presence of nickel and copper through visual observations and pXRF readings.

Advancing Andover

Azure plans to continue exploration at Andover throughout 2021 with work to include more surface, down hole and airborne geophysical surveys along with drilling.

All holes that were recently completed at VC-07 and VC-23 will have down hole EM surveys completed over the next two-to-three weeks. This will assist Azure with further geological and geophysical modelling and underpin further drilling plans.

Other exploration comprises fixed-loop EM surveys over the recently drilled area at VC-23. Azure anticipates this work will assist with identifying mineralised extensions. This will be followed up with additional diamond drilling and data modelling to firm up the next round of drill targets.

Azure also plans to test other EM anomalies identified elsewhere at Andover. These will be drilled once heritage clearances for the sites have been finalised.

Meanwhile at VC-07 two rigs are continuing to drill-out the anomaly with a regular news flow anticipated.

Previous assays from this target returned 18.7m at 1.35% nickel and 0.68% copper from 325.3m, including 6.7m at 1.98% nickel and 0.86% copper from 325.3m.

Other intercepts were 19.2m at 1.47% nickel and 0.41% copper from 406.35m; 1.2m at 2.31% nickel and 0.64% copper from 392.7m; and 7m at 2.23% nickel and 0.63% copper from 411.35m.