Micro-XRF Analysis Confirms Disseminated Nickel-Copper Sulphides at Mount Vernon

Breakthrough Confirmation of Bangemall's Nickel-Copper Potential

Miramar Resources Limited (ASX:M2R) has announced a significant milestone in its exploration efforts with the confirmation of the Bangemall region as a major new nickel-copper province. This follows comprehensive Micro-XRF mineralogical analysis of samples from its 100%-owned Mount Vernon Project, which revealed the presence of disseminated nickel (pentlandite) and copper (chalcopyrite) sulphides across multiple drill holes.

The findings validate Miramar’s strategic targeting of the Bangemall area, based on regional-scale datasets indicating the potential for Norilsk-style mafic intrusion-hosted magmatic Ni-Cu-Co-PGE mineralisation. The company’s Executive Chairman, Allan Kelly, highlighted that the mineralogical data confirms the presence of mafic magma carrying nickel and copper sulphides that have undergone differentiation, producing mafic cumulate rocks analogous to those hosting world-class deposits.

Scientific Rigor and Advanced Technology Drive Discovery

The Micro-XRF technique employed by Miramar offers high-resolution, non-destructive mineral mapping, enabling detailed quantification of mineral phases such as olivine, pyroxenes, plagioclase, and sulphides. Analysis of 159 samples from seven drill holes showed consistent sulphide mineralisation with an average chalcopyrite to pentlandite ratio of approximately 3:1, mirroring the mineralogical signature of the giant Norilsk deposits in Siberia.

Importantly, the mafic cumulate rocks identified are classified predominantly as olivine gabbronorite, the same lithology that hosts the Nebo-Babel Ni-Cu-Co-PGE deposits in Western Australia’s West Musgraves. The presence of sulphate minerals like gypsum, assimilated from evaporitic sediments, further supports the potential for Norilsk-style sulphide deposit formation, as these provide the external sulphur necessary for mineralisation.

Strategic Landholding and Next Steps

Miramar’s dominant land position in the Bangemall region, coupled with its first-mover status, places the company in a strong position to capitalise on this emerging province. The company plans to advance exploration with further diamond drilling, particularly targeting the high-priority Trouble Bore EM anomaly, and intends to apply for additional government co-funding to support detailed magnetic and electromagnetic surveys.

Miramar has also committed to participating in the CSIRO’s “Indicator Minerals for Magmatic Nickel Sulphides” study, which could enhance targeting precision and accelerate discovery. These initiatives underscore the company’s methodical approach to unlocking the Bangemall’s mineral potential.

Implications for the Nickel-Copper Sector

The confirmation of Bangemall as a new Proterozoic mafic-hosted magmatic Ni-Cu-Co-PGE province is a notable development in Australia’s mineral exploration landscape. It adds a promising frontier to the global nickel and copper supply outlook, critical metals underpinning the energy transition and electrification trends. Miramar’s progress could attract increased investor attention and potentially catalyse further exploration activity in the region.

While the initial results are encouraging, the economic viability of any deposits remains to be established through ongoing exploration and resource definition. Nonetheless, Miramar’s disciplined exploration strategy and technological application position it well to delineate significant mineral resources in the coming phases.