Greentech Metals targets resource growth with strong copper returns from Whundo drilling
Assays from initial drilling at Greentech Metals’ (ASX: GRE) Whundo copper-zinc project in Western Australia have indicated the potential for significant resource expansion below the six known mineralised shoots.
Grades of up to 3.1% copper were returned from a July reverse circulation campaign comprising five holes for 1,710 metres at Austin, Ayshia, Shelby, Yannery, Whundo East and Whundo West.
The targets occur within a defined northeast-trending zone over a strike of more than 1.5 kilometres.
Thick intersections
Two holes drilled at Austin and Ayshia returned thick copper-zinc intersections of 16m and 19m and point to the continuation of mineralisation at depth within the moving loop electromagnetic (EM) conductor footprints.
Results confirmed the continuity of copper mineralisation down dip, with Austin returning 16m at 1.2% copper, 0.12% zinc and 0.035 grams per tonne gold from 230m, including 8m at 1.5% copper, 0.21% zinc and 0.039g/t gold from 230m and Ayshia returning 10m at 1.2% copper, 1.2% zinc and 0.09g/t gold from 260m, including 3m at 3.1% copper, 2.6% zinc and 0.23g/t gold from 261m.
A down-hole EM survey completed in August across the same acreage confirmed a continuation of the copper-zinc shoot at Austin and Ayshia beyond 230m depth.
A large conductor plate at Shelby modelled from the same survey had a response of over 15,000 siemens, which is believed to be greater than previous responses of known mineralisation associated with that target.
Extensions targeted
Greentech executive director Tom Reddicliffe said the results showed real potential to significantly grow Whundo’s current 6.2Mt copper-zinc resource by targeting down-dip extensions to known shoots.
“Based on our exploration results to date, we believe we can continue to expand the Whundo resource to potentially underpin a copper project,” he said.
“With this strong start, we are eager to get back out on the ground for our next stage of drilling to push further into these high-grade zones and accelerate building the Whundo copper resource base.”
Pilbara alliance
Mr Reddicliffe said the company would lean on an alliance formed in May with Anax Metals (ASX: ANX) to advance exploration at Whundo.
The companies signed an agreement to assess the potential of treating Greentech’s base metal assets at the fully-permitted and nearby Whim Creek processing hub in the state’s far north that is 80% owned by Anax, with Develop Global (ASX: DVP) holding the other 20%.
Known as the Pilbara Base Metal Alliance, the agreement exists for regional explorers such as Greentech seeking to monetise their assets within trucking distance of the proposed Whim Creek project.