Exultant Mining Expands Watsons Copper-Zinc Corridor by 25%
Exultant Mining has successfully extended the Watsons copper-zinc corridor to 3km through additional soil sampling, highlighting a promising target for future drilling.
Exultant Mining has reported a significant expansion of its Watsons copper-zinc corridor, measuring now at 3 kilometers, which marks a 25% increase from its previous estimate of 2.4 kilometers. This extension comes as a result of enhanced soil sampling efforts conducted at the Watsons prospect, located within the company's wholly-owned Black Hammer Project in the Macquarie Arc region of New South Wales.
New Findings from Soil Sampling
The latest soil sampling initiative, which utilized portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology, has added valuable data to the existing target. The results reflect a total of 99 new pXRF measurements, bringing the cumulative total to 289 measurement sites.
- Sample spacing remains consistent at 50 meters, with a 100-meter grid layout aligning with the previous phase.
- The highest recorded measurements were 173 ppm of Copper (Cu) and 255 ppm of Zinc (Zn), detected at site WS198.
It's crucial to understand that this 3-kilometer distance represents the interpreted spatial extent of soil anomalies rather than a linear mineralized vein.
Understanding the Geochemical Context
The copper and zinc anomalies found at Watsons are closely correlated with magnetically distinct features, which adds a layer of geological insight. However, it is important to note that such magnetic influences do not explicitly confirm the presence of mineral deposits.
In the southern area, more recent geological formations, specifically the Miocene Oberon Basalt, have masked some readings. Nevertheless, elevated values were observed in the basalt areas that did not expose rock formations.
Brett Grosvenor, Executive Chairman of Exultant Mining, emphasized, "In just two phases of cost-effective soil analysis, we have transformed a previously identified anomaly into a substantial, three-kilometer target intertwined with magnetic features. This lays the groundwork for future exploration activities."
Next Steps Towards Resource Development
To explore the potential of the Watsons target further, Exultant Mining has outlined several strategic steps:
- Broaden the pXRF soil sampling grid towards the northeast to capture additional developments in the copper-zinc anomaly.
- Conduct induced polarisation (IP) and ground magnetic surveys to better understand the geological layout and identify possible sulphide mineralization at depth.
- Consider follow-up laboratory assays for the soil samples to confirm the results obtained from field measurements.
These future investigations depend on securing additional land access agreements, which are currently underway. Although specific timelines for drilling activities remain undisclosed, stakeholders are encouraged to monitor Exultant Mining for updates as these plans evolve.
The Watsons prospect, as part of the broader Black Hammer Project that spans around 390 square kilometers near Oberon, roughly 130 kilometers west of Sydney, continues to draw interest. Historical exploration efforts pinpointed peak values of 1,250 ppm Cu and 3,300 ppm Zn back in the 1970s, illustrating the longstanding potential of this area.
Exultant Mining's ongoing efforts to enhance the understanding and development of the Watsons copper-zinc target signify a promising advancement in resource exploration. Stay tuned to the Exultant Mining company page for the latest insights and updates on upcoming activities.
