Western Mines to drill Rock of Ages ‘as soon as possible’ following positive rock chip results
Assays from rock chips sampling returned a peak result of 13.85 grams per tonne gold.
Recent ASX entrant Western Mines Group (ASX: WMG) has firmed up high-grade gold potential of its Rock of Ages project in Western Australia after recent rock chip sampling returned over 13 grams per tonne gold.
Located 32km southeast of Laverton, Rock of Ages comprises a prospecting licence and is surrounded by Focus Minerals’ (ASX: FML) Laverton gold project and other gold deposits.
It is also 4.5km south of the historical Burtville mining centre.
Across 450m of strike within the project are historical shallow workings. Records indicated 2,0740 ounces of gold was mined from these workings between 1902 and 1911.
The gold had an average grade of 50 grams per tonne.
Advancing Rock of Ages
Since acquiring the project, Western Mines completed a sub-audio magnetic survey in collaboration with its neighbour Focus.
The survey showed a north-northeast trending low feature that’s clearly associated with the historic workings.
Western Mines followed up the survey with its first site visit in June to complete geological mapping and rock chip sampling.
Assays from the samples returned 13.3g/t gold and 13.85g/t gold. Silver was also present at 1.76g/t and 1.42g/t.
Next stage
Western Mines managing director Caedmon Marriott said the company was gearing up for its maiden drilling program at the project.
He said he was encouraged by recent field work and interpretation.
Western Mines is in the process of sourcing a reverse circulation rig to begin a five hole program as soon as possible.
“The potential of the historical Rock of Ages workings has never been properly tested,” Mr Marriott said.
He added the company’s drilling program aims to test the depth of mineralisation within the historic workings.
“This is the first of a number of exploration updates shareholders can look forward to over the next few weeks.”
Successful ASX listing
Western Mines’ accelerating exploration at Rock of Ages follows the company’s successful oversubscribed $5.5 million IPO and ASX listing during the June quarter.
The company set out to raise between $4.5-$5.5 million.
In addition to a site visit at Rock of Ages during the period, Western Mines also completed a site visit at Melita and a high-resolution gravity survey at the Mulga Tank project.
Planning underway for a moving loop electromagnetic survey to begin imminently at Mulga Tank.
Western Mines owns eight exploration projects in WA.
Mulga Tank has been designated the flagship project and is believed prospective for nickel-copper and platinum group elements.