Micro-XRF Analysis Reveals Disseminated Ni-Cu Sulphides Across Multiple Drill Holes

Bangemall Emerges as a New Frontier for Nickel-Copper Exploration

Miramar Resources Limited (ASX:M2R) has announced a significant breakthrough in its exploration efforts at the Mount Vernon Project within the Bangemall region of Western Australia. Detailed mineralogical analysis using Micro-XRF technology has confirmed the presence of disseminated nickel and copper sulphides, specifically pentlandite and chalcopyrite, across multiple drill holes. This discovery validates Bangemall as a major new mafic-hosted magmatic nickel-copper-cobalt-platinum group elements (Ni-Cu-Co-PGE) province.

Executive Chairman Allan Kelly emphasised the strategic importance of this confirmation, noting that Miramar’s dominant landholding and first-mover status position the company advantageously to explore and develop this emerging province. The mineralogical data aligns with the characteristics of world-class deposits such as Norilsk in Siberia, known for their large-scale magmatic sulphide mineralisation.

Scientific Rigor and Geological Context

The Micro-XRF analysis systematically examined 159 samples from seven drill holes, revealing a consistent presence of pentlandite and chalcopyrite alongside pyrrhotite. The ratio of chalcopyrite to pentlandite approximates 3:1, mirroring the mineralogical signature of Norilsk-style deposits. The mafic cumulate rocks sampled predominantly classify as olivine gabbro-norite, a lithology analogous to that hosting the Nebo-Babel Ni-Cu-Co-PGE deposits in Western Australia’s West Musgraves.

Importantly, the presence of gypsum and other sulphate minerals in some samples suggests assimilation of evaporitic sediments, a key external sulphur source necessary for the formation of magmatic sulphide deposits. This geological setting supports the hypothesis that the Bangemall region has undergone similar magmatic processes to those responsible for some of the world’s largest nickel-copper sulphide deposits.

Strategic Implications and Next Steps

With the initial exploration concepts now validated, Miramar is advancing its exploration program to identify zones where sulphides have accumulated into economic concentrations. Planned activities include participation in the CSIRO’s “Indicator Minerals for Magmatic Nickel Sulphides” study, application for further Exploration Incentive Scheme (EIS) funding to conduct detailed magnetic and electromagnetic surveys, and a diamond drill hole targeting the high-priority Trouble Bore electromagnetic anomaly.

These steps are critical to delineating the extent and grade of mineralisation and to unlocking the full potential of the Bangemall province. Miramar’s methodical approach and dominant land position could translate into significant value creation if a large-scale deposit is delineated.

Broader Market and Regional Significance

The confirmation of Bangemall as a new nickel-copper province adds a compelling chapter to Western Australia’s mineral exploration narrative. It highlights the ongoing potential for discovering world-class magmatic sulphide deposits outside established mining districts. For investors, Miramar’s progress underscores the value of early-stage exploration in underexplored regions with strong geological analogues to major global deposits.

While the findings are promising, the economic viability of the mineralisation remains to be proven through further drilling and resource definition. Nonetheless, Miramar’s strategic positioning and technical rigor provide a solid foundation for future success.