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Maiden drilling at Red Hill garnet project returns strong intercepts for Heavy Minerals

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By Imelda Cotton - 
Heavy Minerals ASX HVY Red Hill Garnet project Total heavy minerals THM aircore drilling Western Australia

Initial scanning results indicate a weighted average garnet fraction of 75% and ilmenite fraction of 10%.

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Initial assay results from a maiden aircore drilling campaign at Heavy Minerals’ (ASX: HVY) Red Hill garnet project in Western Australia have returned numerous intercepts exceeding more than 5% total heavy minerals (THM).

The company drilled 48 holes for 1,815 metres in January and has reported “exceptional” initial results with a best intercept delivering 43m at 6.2% THM from surface.

Initial sachet scanning work indicated a weighted average garnet fraction of 75% and an ilmenite fraction of 10%.

Drilling went to the limestone basement where the THM mineralisation closes out.

All holes were vertical and targeted the dunal sand package which sits on top of the Tamala Limestone or its lateral sandy equivalent.

Best results

Other notable results from the maiden campaign were 20m at 8.2% THM from 21m down hole; 22m at 6.6% THM from 20m; 15m at 5.9% THM from surface; 34m at 5.5% THM from surface; and 11m at 5.4% THM from 16m.

Other intercepts were 5% THM over 20m from surface; 5% THM over 5m from 31m; 4.9% THM over 9m from 8m; 4.9% THM over 15m from 21m; and 4.3% THM over 14m from 28m.

Garnet percentages in heavy mineral fractions ranged from 65% to 80% and were reported to be similar to the fractions observed at the company’s Port Gregory project, 33km to the north.

Garnet-rich package

Non-executive chairman Adam Schofield said the results indicated a garnet-rich mineralised sand package at Red Hill.

“The exceptional results from four of the holes are indicative of potentially-economic grades suitable for mining and mineral processing,” he said.

New CEO

Last month, Heavy Minerals announced the appointment of Andrew Taplin to the role of chief executive officer ahead of a pre-feasibility study for the Port Gregory project.

“Andrew will play a crucial role in transforming Heavy Minerals from a junior explorer to a potential miner,” Mr Schofield said.

“We look forward to seeing him drive the company’s pre-feasibility study work and extended exploration programs for our projects in the coming year.”