Metalsearch completes drilling ahead of schedule at Abercorn kaolin project
According to Metalsearch, 99.99% HPA has been produced from Abercorn kaolin.
High purity alumina hopeful Metalsearch (ASX: MSE) has completed the aircore drilling program ahead of schedule at its Abercorn kaolin project in central Queensland.
The program comprised 62 holes for 2,358m and encountered intersections as thick as 40m containing bright white kaolin.
The shallow drilling program achieved depths ranging from 23-51m with an average depth of 38m.
Substantial intersections of bright white kaolin were unearthed on the periphery of the drill grid, which Metalsearch claims indicates the mineralisation extends outside the current drilled area.
According to Metalsearch, mineralisation remains open along strike, down plunge and at depth.
Metalsearch technical director John Goody said the company was “very encouraged” by has been uncovered during the drilling campaign.
He added the company has a stronger understanding of the overall scale of mineralisation at Abercorn.
“We look forward to presenting assay results and are confident of delivering a strong maiden JORC resource,” Mr Goody said.
Abercorn kaolin project
Back in 2007, 24 reverse circulation holes were drilled at the project and identified a large scale mineralised system from surface.
Assays from the program returned 33.71% aluminium oxide.
Testwork on the ore has produced 99.99% HPA, in addition to commercial grade alum which is used in water purification.
Metalsearch acquired Abercorn in October this year, with the project encompassed 128 square kilometres and including three exploration permits.
Strategy for Abercorn
Metalsearch is looking at developing a low-cost open pit operation at Abercorn, which is close to a main sealed highway and has access to site power and water.
The project is also close to Gladstone and Bundaberg deep water ports, which are connected by sealed roads.
Metalsearch’s overarching goal for Abercorn is to create an HPA operation in joint venture with global end users.
Investors reacted positively to Metalsearch’s news, with the company’s share price rising almost 8% to trade at $0.014 by mid-afternoon.