Petratherm Limited has reported its best drilling results yet at the Rosewood Prospect, extending high-grade heavy mineralisation by 1.6 kilometres and confirming a large, shallow deposit rich in titanium minerals.
- 73 air core holes drilled with first 10 assays showing high-grade heavy mineral (HM) intercepts
- Mineralisation extended 1.6km northwards, now covering over 15km² at Rosewood East
- Notable intercepts include 26m @ 17.2% HM and 32m @ 11.1% HM from shallow depths
- Valuable Heavy Mineral content averages over 95%, dominated by titanium dioxide minerals
- Bulk sample metallurgical testing and further drilling planned to assess commercial viability
Strong Drilling Results Expand Rosewood Prospect
Petratherm Limited (ASX: PTR) has announced a significant step forward in its exploration of the Rosewood Heavy Mineral Sands (HMS) Prospect within the Muckanippie Project in South Australia. The company’s recent air core drilling program, comprising 73 holes, has yielded its best assay results to date, extending the known high-grade mineralisation by an additional 1.6 kilometres to the north. This brings the mineralised strike length in the Rosewood East area to at least 3.6 kilometres, covering a total area exceeding 15 square kilometres.
The standout intercepts from the first 10 drill holes include 26 metres at 17.2% heavy minerals starting from just 7 metres depth, and 32 metres at 11.1% HM from 10 metres depth. These results not only confirm the continuity and thickness of the mineralised zone but also highlight the shallow nature of the deposit, which is a positive factor for potential future mining operations.
High-Quality Titanium-Rich Mineralisation
Mineralogical analysis indicates that the heavy mineral assemblage at Rosewood is exceptionally high quality, with over 95% of the heavy minerals classified as Valuable Heavy Minerals (VHM). The dominant component is titanium dioxide minerals, which are in strong demand for various industrial applications. The absence of deleterious materials further enhances the prospect’s attractiveness.
These findings build on previous drilling campaigns that have consistently intersected thick, high-grade mineralisation, with over 90% of holes drilled last year returning at least 5 metres at greater than 5% HM. The current results reinforce the potential scale and grade of the Rosewood discovery.
Next Steps: Bulk Sampling and Further Drilling
Petratherm is advancing towards bulk sample metallurgical testing, having composited a one-tonne sample from the upper mineralised zone along a 1.4-kilometre trend. This sample will undergo processing using wet concentrator plants and separation techniques in Brisbane, aiming to produce heavy mineral concentrates and assess recovery rates. The outcomes will be critical in evaluating the commercial viability of the project.
Meanwhile, assay results from the remaining 63 drill holes are expected within weeks, which will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the deposit’s extent and grade. The company also plans a Phase 3 drilling program to test further extensions, particularly to the north where mineralisation remains open.
Strategic Position and Partnerships
The Rosewood Prospect lies within Petratherm’s broader Muckanippie Project, which includes both wholly owned tenements and joint ventures with Narryer Metals Limited and G4 Metals. These partnerships expand the exploration footprint and provide additional opportunities for resource growth. The project area is located in the northern Gawler Craton, a region known for its mineral potential.
CEO Peter Reid expressed optimism about the results, emphasizing the continuity and thickness of the mineralisation and the upcoming metallurgical testing milestone. The company’s methodical approach to exploration and processing studies positions it well to unlock the value of this emerging heavy mineral sands deposit.
Bottom Line?
With high-grade mineralisation extending and bulk sampling underway, Petratherm is poised to define a potentially valuable titanium-rich heavy mineral resource.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the remaining 63 drill hole assays confirm further extensions or higher grades?
- What will the metallurgical test results reveal about mineral recovery and processing costs?
- How soon can Petratherm advance towards a formal resource estimate and potential development decision?