Group 6 Metals readies for drilling program at Investigator to build Dolphin mine inventory
First tungsten concentrate is anticipated before the end of March from Group 6 Metals’ Dolphin mine on Tasmania’s King Island.
Group 6 Metals (ASX: G6M) is about to begin drilling the Investigator prospect within its wholly-owned Dolphin tungsten mine where first concentrate is expected in the current quarter.
A diamond drill rig has been mobilised to the mine site on Tasmania’s King Island, which will complete three holes at the Investigator 24 target. Another hole will be undertaken to test mineralised extensions at the Investigator 21 target.
Previous drilling at Investigator 21 in 2018 had uncovered tungsten mineralisation in three of four holes, including a highlight intercept of 3.3m at 1.7% tungsten.
Commenting on the new program, Group 6 managing director and chief executive officer Keith McKnight said Investigator 24 is 2km south of Investigator 21 and when drilling begins mid-month it will test the southern extend of scheelite mineralisation (a naturally occurring source of tungsten).
“It is encouraging to see the exploration rig arrive back on King Island after a four-year hiatus while we focused on the re-development of Dolphin.”
Mr McKnight noted the high-grade 1.7% tungsten hit at Investigator 21 shows the potential for more intercepts.
“High grade mineralisation has now been confirmed at three separate areas around the large granitoid intrusion which give us a high degree of confidence about the potential to add further resources outside of the current resources and reserves.”
“Pending further exploration success, it could see the area really take shape as a potential future resource.”
All-up, Group 6 plans to complete 1,000m of drilling and estimates the program will be competed in six weeks, with assays anticipated six weeks after drilling winds up.
Dolphin mine
Investigator 21 is 6km west of the Dolphin mine site and has similar geology.
Dolphin has a current resource of 9.6 million tonnes grading 0.9% tungsten. Another resource has been calculated for the nearby Bold Head deposit of 1.8Mt at 0.9% tungsten.
Group 6’s regional geological mapping has identified about 9km of strike, which has seen limited exploration.
Mr McKnight said the company was “keen” to develop regional exploration opportunities surrounding the Dolphin to extend the life “well beyond” the current 14 years.
Redevelopment at the mine site is on schedule, with commissioning of the process plant expected by the end of March.
Mr McKnight noted the company will be producing from Dolphin amid a global shortage of tungsten concentrate in 2023, due to increasing demand and limited supply.