Dundas Minerals confirms gravity anomaly at Matilda South nickel-copper prospect
Dundas managing director Shane Volk said the geophysical data was “extremely encouraging and exciting”.
Exploration efforts at Dundas Minerals’ (ASX: DUN) Matilda South nickel-copper prospect in Western Australia, have been rewarded by the discovery of a gravity anomaly that data indicates is due to a mafic/ultramafic intrusion, which is similar to the IGO’s (ASX: IGO) Nova-Bollinger deposit.
Mafic rock refers to igneous rock that is predominantly composed of magnesium and iron.
Modelling of the survey data indicates density ranging from between 3 tonnes to 3.4t per cubic metre, with a depth extending around 70m below the surface to over 1,000m.
Dundas managing director Shane Volk said that the confirmation of the mafic/ultramafic intrusive body at Matilda South was “extremely exciting” adding that the Nova-Bollinger deposit only 150km to the north of Matilda South is hosted in similar rock types.
“Further geophysical survey and ultimately drilling of the modelled body is of course required. We are endeavouring to mobilise a specialist electro-magnetic (EM) and audio-magnetic telluric (AMT) geophysical survey contractor as quickly as possible, as this survey information is critical for refining drill targets,” he said.
Positive results continue
Following positive results from a wider spaced gravity survey carried out in October 2021, a close spaced infill gravity survey was completed at Matilda South in December 2021 consisting of 250m spaced lines with 100m spaced gravity stations.
A significant drill hole core at Matilda South performed by Goldport Pty Ltd in 2005 logged an intersection of intermediate/mafic pluton or pyroxene granulite which supported the Dundas interpretation of mafic/ultramafic rock.
This discovery will be followed up by EM and AMT surveys to determine the presence of sulphides associated with nickel or copper mineralisation.
More discoveries expected
Dundas has made rapid progress with its exploration and drilling programs following an ASX listing in November.
Matilda South was the first area to be surveyed, followed by the North East, Terra Firma and Jumbuck targets. With work at the Kokoda gold prospect wrapping up, drilling at Jumbuck, will commence, after re-examining historic results.
Dundas currently hold seven exploration licences with another five under application in the mineral abundant Albany-Fraser Orogen (AFO) in southern Western Australia. The licences span 1,106 square kilometres.
The area came to the public attention in 2005 after AngloGold Ashanti (ASX: AGG) discovered the Tropicana gold deposit, which has produced more than 3.56 million ounces of the precious metal.