Mulga Tank Drill Hole MTD030 Intersects 530m of Nickel-Rich Ultramafic Rock
Western Mines Group has completed diamond drill hole MTD030 at its Mulga Tank Project, intersecting extensive olivine cumulate ultramafic rock with multiple intervals of visible nickel sulphide mineralisation, including high-tenor blebs confirmed by spot pXRF readings up to 41.3% nickel. This confirms a dynamic komatiite system and reinforces the project's large-scale potential.
- Completion of 708.6m diamond drill hole MTD030 at Mulga Tank
- Intersected ~530m of high MgO olivine cumulate ultramafic lithologies
- Multiple intervals of visible nickel sulphide mineralisation with spot pXRF up to 41.3% Ni
- Drilling validates geological interpretation of a dynamic komatiite flow system
- Drilling co-funded by WA Environmental Investment Scheme grant covering 50% of costs
Drilling Breakthrough at Mulga Tank
Western Mines Group Ltd (ASX – WMG) has announced the successful completion of diamond drill hole MTD030 (EIS8) at its flagship Mulga Tank Project, located in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields. The hole, drilled to a depth of 708.6 metres, intersected approximately 530 metres of olivine cumulate ultramafic rock, revealing multiple intervals of visible nickel sulphide mineralisation. Notably, spot portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) readings detected nickel concentrations as high as 41.3%, underscoring the potential for high-grade deposits.
Confirming a Dynamic Komatiite System
The drilling targeted a roughly 1.5-kilometre-long magnetic body at the northwestern end of the Panhandle area within tenement E39/2134. The geological observations from MTD030 validate the interpretation of a hot, dynamic komatiite channel flow system; a type of ultramafic volcanic rock environment known to host significant nickel sulphide deposits. The presence of disseminated magmatic sulphides and coalescing sulphide blebs throughout the hole suggests a fertile environment conducive to forming Kambalda-style massive sulphide deposits, a highly sought-after nickel ore type.
Strategic Funding and Ongoing Exploration
This drilling was partially funded by the Western Australian Environmental Investment Scheme (EIS), which covered 50% of the costs up to $220,000, reflecting government support for mineral exploration in the region. Following MTD030, the drilling rig has moved back to the main body of the Mulga Tank Ultramafic Complex to continue a diamond tail on a previous reverse circulation hole, advancing the Phase 4 drilling program. This program is supported by recent capital raises and additional EIS grants, underscoring Western Mines’ commitment to expanding its nickel sulphide resource base.
Awaiting Laboratory Assays
While the visual observations and pXRF data are promising, laboratory assays are pending to confirm the true grade and extent of mineralisation. The company is establishing onsite core cutting capabilities to expedite sample processing, as previous commercial facilities are no longer available. Investors and analysts will be watching closely for these assay results, which will provide critical data to refine resource estimates and guide future drilling.
Implications for Mulga Tank’s Belt-Scale Potential
MTD030’s results reinforce the Mulga Tank Project’s status as a significant nickel sulphide system within the underexplored Minigwal Greenstone Belt. The discovery of a mineralised komatiite channel system some 5 kilometres from the main complex suggests multiple look-alike magnetic features could host additional deposits. This expands the project’s footprint and enhances its attractiveness as a major nickel sulphide province in Australia.
Bottom Line?
Western Mines’ latest drilling success at Mulga Tank sets the stage for a potential resource upgrade, with assay results and ongoing exploration poised to unlock further value.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the laboratory assay results reveal about the grade and continuity of nickel mineralisation in MTD030?
- How will the Phase 4 drilling program refine the understanding of the Mulga Tank Ultramafic Complex’s resource potential?
- What impact will the EIS grant funding have on Western Mines’ exploration budget and timeline?
