Mount Ridley Mines Uncovers High-Grade Iron at Weld Range West Project
Mount Ridley Mines has reported promising rock chip sampling results from its Weld Range West Iron Project, with assays reaching up to 62.03% iron content. The company is preparing for further exploration to better understand the potential of these high-grade zones.
- 146 rock chip samples collected at Weld Range West
- Iron assays up to 62.03% Fe identified
- Higher-grade hematite mineralization found in Wilgie Mia and Lulworth BIF units
- Additional sampling planned to explore untested tenement E20/986
- Mount Ridley maintains strategic focus on rare earths project alongside iron exploration
Exploration Highlights at Weld Range West
Mount Ridley Mines Ltd (ASX: MRD) has provided a detailed update on its exploration activities at the Weld Range West Iron Project in Western Australia's Mid-West region. The recent reconnaissance rock chip sampling program, conducted by Galt Mining Solutions, collected 146 samples primarily targeting the Wilgie Mia, Madoonga, and Lulworth Banded Iron Formation (BIF) units. These units are known for their iron mineralization potential, and the assays have confirmed iron content reaching as high as 62.03% Fe.
The sampling revealed a geological trend where the northern sections of the project area are dominated by chert and siliciclastic units, while the southern sections transition into laminated iron shales and jasper. Notably, the southern units, particularly the Wilgie Mia and Lulworth BIF sub-units, showed more consistent and higher iron grades, suggesting promising zones for hematite mineralization.
Implications of the Assay Results
The high-grade iron assays, including multiple samples exceeding 60% Fe, indicate that parts of Mount Ridley’s tenure may host economically viable direct shipping ore (DSO) hematite deposits. However, the company cautions that some of these high-grade results appear isolated and anomalous, underscoring the need for further exploration to determine the continuity and extent of mineralization.
Importantly, Mount Ridley’s Weld Range West Project covers approximately 20% of the overall Weld Ranges, which is geologically analogous to the larger Weld Range package where significant iron ore resources have been defined by Sinosteel Midwest Corporation and Fenix Resources. To date, Mount Ridley has not undertaken drilling at Weld Range West, so these rock chip results represent an early but encouraging stage in the project’s development.
Next Steps and Strategic Outlook
In response to these initial findings, Mount Ridley is planning an additional rock chip sampling program to further delineate the high-grade zones and to explore tenement E20/986, which was not included in the recent sampling. This follow-up work will be critical in assessing the broader significance of the hematite mineralization and guiding potential future drilling campaigns.
Alongside its iron exploration, Mount Ridley continues to maintain a strategic focus on its Rare Earths Project at Mount Ridley. The company has engaged geological consultants to review its tenure package with the aim of optimising holdings and preserving long-term opportunities in the rare earth elements market, which remains subject to evolving global demand dynamics.
Mount Ridley’s exploration update reflects a balanced approach, combining early-stage iron ore exploration with a watchful eye on rare earths, positioning the company to leverage multiple commodity opportunities as market conditions evolve.
Bottom Line?
Mount Ridley’s promising iron assays set the stage for a critical phase of exploration that could unlock significant value at Weld Range West.
Questions in the middle?
- Will further sampling confirm the continuity of high-grade hematite mineralization?
- What timeline does Mount Ridley envision for drilling and resource definition at Weld Range West?
- How will Mount Ridley balance its iron ore ambitions with its rare earths strategic focus?
