More positive results at Earaheedy zinc-lead discovery point to large-scale system for Rumble Resources and Zenith Minerals
Rumble and Zenith’s latest drilling results indicate multiple extensional faults underlying the currently defined mineralisation at the Chinook prospect.
Joint venture partners Rumble Resources (ASX: RTR) and Zenith Minerals (ASX: ZNC) have announced new drilling results that indicate multiple extensions to a major zinc-lead discovery made at the Earaheedy project in Western Australia.
The Earaheedy project, located 110km north of Wiluna in the state’s mid-west, is operated by Rumble with a 75% stake while Zenith holds the remaining 25% interest and is free carried to the completion of a bankable feasibility study.
In April, the partners fast tracked two holes from a phase one drilling program at the Chinook prospect for analysis with the assays confirming a major zinc-lead discovery.
The assays for the remaining 24 drillholes have now returned, showing widespread zinc and lead mineralisation and point to the potential for a large-scale sedimentary exhalative (SEDEX) system.
“Detailed geological, airborne magnetic and multi-element interpretation of the latest results has highlighted multiple extensional faults underlying the currently defined mineralisation at the Chinook prospect and throughout the entire Earaheedy project, highlighting the scale potential,” Rumble reported.
Best results from the reverse circulation (RC) program include: a 23m intersection grading at 4.1% zinc-lead from 103 including 17m at 5.21% zinc-lead and 6.2 grams per tonne silver; 18m at 3.06% zinc-lead from 56m including 9m at 5.3% zinc-lead 6.6g/t silver; and 11m at 3.98% zinc-lead from 68m including 6m at 6.57% zinc-lead and 16g/t silver.
In addition, seven holes were drilled at the Magazine prospect with one of the holes returning 20m at 1.58% zinc-lead from 140m to end of hole including 10m at 2.52% zinc-lead and 2.5g/t silver from 143m.
Large-scale SEDEX style potential
Initial interpretation of the drilling assays indicates the potential style is a mixed clastic/carbonate sediment hosted zinc-lead deposit type with mineralisation characteristic of SEDEX (variant) deposits.
According to Rumble, SEDEX-style deposits have formed giant and ‘super giant’ tier one deposits and account for a quarter of global zinc-lead production and half of the world’s total zinc and lead reserves. Six out of the 10 largest active zinc mines globally are SEDEX-style deposits.
“The Chinook prospect alone has the potential to be at the upper end of Rumble’s first stage exploration target based on consistent grades (4-5% zinc plus lead), up to 34m vertical (true thickness), zinc-lead intersected over 2km strike, up to 1.2km in width and open in all directions,” the company said.
“With the new geological information at the Chinook prospect there is now potential for oxide and sulphide large-scale open cut mining scenarios and high-grade underground operations close to the extension faults.”
Phase two drilling program continues
The partners have already begun a phase two drilling program for 30,000m aimed at extending and scoping out potential resources at the Chinook discovery over a strike more than 12km in length and open in all directions.
The drilling will also test potential high-grade zinc-lead corridors associated with inferred extension faults (feeder structures).
In a separate announcement, Zenith chairman Peter Bird said the latest results complement and build on the early success achieved with the first phase drilling.
“This discovery remains unconstrained both along strike and down dip,” he said.
“The accelerated 30,000m diamond and RC percussion drill program that is fully funded by our joint venture partner is now underway. It has the ability to define more mineralisation on the joint venture property and hence add significant value to our existing business,” Mr Bird added.