Asian Battery Metals has intercepted further massive sulphide mineralisation at its Oval copper-nickel project in Mongolia, expanding the known mineralised zone and confirming geological continuity between key areas.
- Additional massive sulphides intercepted in drill holes OVD036 and OVD040
- Shallow gabbroic rock confirmed linking North Oval and Oval zones
- Potential 800m long mineralised zone identified
- Samson EM survey to refine targets and guide next drilling phase
- Assay results pending; drilling paused awaiting survey outcomes
Expanding the Mineralised Footprint
Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX, AZ9) has reported encouraging progress from its Phase 3 drilling campaign at the Oval copper-nickel discovery within the Yambat Project in Mongolia. Recent drill holes OVD036 and OVD040 intercepted additional massive sulphide mineralisation, extending the known mineralised zone at North Oval and Oval. These results suggest a potential mineralised corridor stretching approximately 800 metres, a significant expansion that underscores the project's growing prospectivity.
Geological Continuity and Structural Insights
Drill holes OVD038 and OVD039 have confirmed the presence of shallow gabbroic rock, which appears to connect the North Oval and Oval zones. This geological linkage is crucial as it may represent a continuous magmatic intrusion hosting the copper-nickel mineralisation. The company’s geophysical partner, Southern Geoscience Consultants, has updated the interpretation of downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) plates, identifying a 55-metre conductive plate coinciding with massive sulphides, providing a refined target for future drilling.
Advanced Geophysical Techniques to Guide Exploration
Asian Battery Metals is mobilising a deep penetrating ground electromagnetic survey, known as the Samson EM survey, to commence shortly. This survey aims to refine existing targets and identify new anomalies beneath the surface, enhancing the precision of subsequent drilling campaigns. The company has paused drilling temporarily to incorporate these survey results, with plans to resume drilling promptly thereafter.
Financial Strength and Strategic Outlook
The relatively low cost of drilling operations in Mongolia has allowed Asian Battery Metals to maintain a robust balance sheet, positioning the company well to fund ongoing exploration activities. Managing Director Gan-Ochir Zunduisuren highlighted the expanded mineralisation footprint and the identification of depth extensions as key milestones. The company also anticipates releasing results from regional scout drilling soon, which could further enhance the project's scope.
Looking Ahead
Assay results from the Phase 3 drilling program are expected imminently and will provide critical data on the grade and economic potential of the mineralisation. The integration of these results with the forthcoming Samson EM survey will inform the next phase of drilling, targeting both the Oval discovery and regional prospects within the Yambat Project.
Bottom Line?
With assay results pending and advanced geophysical surveys underway, Asian Battery Metals is poised to sharpen its exploration focus and potentially unlock a significant copper-nickel resource in Mongolia.
Questions in the middle?
- What grades will the pending assay results reveal, and how might they impact resource estimates?
- How will the Samson EM survey refine target definitions and influence drilling priorities?
- What are the implications of faulting and structural complexity on the continuity of mineralisation?