(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors)
’s (ASX:MTA) maiden drilling program has hinted at the prospectivity of its Montepuez Central Graphite Project in Mozambique.
In number 21 diamond drill holes were completed for 2704.75 metres.
Drilling targeted three areas and intersected significant graphite mineralisation in the majority of holes.
A total of 409 core samples were sent for laboratory assay in late December with results expected early February 2015.
The Southern Zone intersected a wide mineralised zone of more than 40 metres wide over a strike length of 800 metres which remains open to both the north and south.
Multiple styles of graphite mineralisation were observed at project area including shear hosted and graphite dominated metasediments/schist.
Drilling to confirm maiden Resources is planned as a priority at the Southern Zone.
In addition multiple prospective areas will be the subject of targeted follow up drilling in 2015. This will target oxide components to the shallow graphite mineralisation.
Southern Zone
The first drillhole in this area (MN0002D) targeted a broad 300 metre VTEM response which was observed over five flight lines on the eastern margin of project area.
Reconnaissance mapping confirmed the presence of graphitic schist and pegmatite veining at surface and in the creek beds.
The geology comprised dolerite granitic gneiss metasediments/graphitic schist and pegmatite dykes.
The mineralisation style comprised a mix of metasediments and shear‐hosted graphite which included a broa zone of moderate 5‐10% estimated graphite approximately 44 metres down hole from 86 ‐130.5 metres.
Within this broad zone is a higher grade envelope approximately 25 metres down hole with an estimated 10 ‐ 20% graphite grade. Down hole widths are thought to be very close to true widths.
Central Zone
Drillhole MN0001D targeted a broad 300 metre strong VTEM response 400 metre along strike from the 46 metre wide zone of graphitic schist intersected in the project’s water bore (WB3).
The geology comprised dolerite and minor amphibolite intruded by pegmatite with the mineralisation largely hosted in narrow graphitic shears over printing the mafic units.
The mineralisation consisted of a broad zone of moderate 5‐10% estimated graphite from 41.1‐90.5 metres which included some internal dilution.
Northern Zone
Drillhole MN0004D targeted a 200 metres wide VTEM response on the western margin of the project area where reconnaissance mapping confirmed the presence of sub‐cropping graphitic metasediments.
The geology comprised dolerite and graphitic metasediments. The mineralisation consisted of multiple 10 ‐ 20 metres down hole zones of low to moderate grade graphite.
Drillhole MN0007D targeted the up‐dip projection of the mineralisation encountered in MN0004D.
Drillhole MN0018D successfully tested the oxide zone which extends to 44 metres down hole and was very broken.
Estimated graphite grades of 5‐15% were recorded over most of the oxide zone and extended into the primary zone indicating potential for an oxide resource of around 120 metres in horizontal width.
The zone has a moderate 40° to 50° west dip.
Drillhole MN0003D targeted a broad 250 metres wide strong VTEM response on the eastern margin of project area with no mapped outcrop.
The geology comprised dolerite and graphitic metasediments with the better mineralisation hosted at the contact between the dolerite and metasediments at approximately 30 metres.
Mineralisation consisted of a broad zone of 38 ‐ 89 metres of moderate 5‐10% estimated graphite.
Potential exists to target oxidized friable ore material on the up‐dip projection of the graphite schist metasediments intersected from 60 metres.
This is likely to extend north for more than 800 metres based on the VTEM response. Further work planned at the Northern prospect includes trenching to delineate the dolerite/metasediments contact.
Other Drilled Targets
Drillhole MN0008D targeted a 150 metre wide VTEM response that showed continuity on multiple flight lines.
The geology comprised dolerite and minor graphitic metasediments with the mineralisation largely hosted in the dolerite.
Mineralisation consisted of a broad zone of moderate 5‐10% estimated graphite from 48 ‐ 84 metres.
These results are typical of the mineralisation observed in the mafic and amphibolite units.
Drillhole MN0013D targeted the down‐dip projection of mapped graphitic schist. The geology comprised dolerite and minor graphitic metasediments with the better mineralisation hosted at the contact between the dolerite and metasediments. The mineralisation consisted of multiple downhole zones ranging from 5 ‐ 20 metres of moderate 5‐10% estimated graphite.
These widths are consistent with intervals observed in the central zone.
Metallurgical Drilling
Drillhole MN0012DM in the Southern prospect was drilled vertically on the eastern margin of the graphite schist with a view to obtain a mix of oxide and primary mineralisation for product test work and initial mineralogical and metallurgical test work.
Forward Work Program
The immediate work plan is to complete the logging and geological interpretation of the remaining drillholes.
Approximately 50% of the drillholes (MN0001D to MN0012DM) have been geologically logged to date.
The priority will be in the southern zone where infill drilling was undertaken with the view to develop an inferred JORC resource based on presence of more prospective stratigraphy metasediments / graphitic schist.
Additional core samples will be sent for laboratory analysis during geological logging over the next four weeks.
Analysis
While it is still early days for at the Montepuez Central Graphite Project the initial drilling results highlight its prospectivity and finding graphite in the majority of holes is a solid initial effort.
With 409 core samples sent for laboratory assay late December – results expected early February 2015 sets the scene for strong news flow ahead.
It also sets up further drilling to commence in 2015 which will look to define a maiden Inferred Resource in the Southern Zone.
Follow-up drilling will also be carried out targeting oxide components to the shallow graphite mineralisation.
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