Spectrum Project Faces Uncertainty Pending Assay Results from Key Drill Hole
DeSoto Resources has reported the intersection of significant sulphide mineralisation in its ongoing drilling at the Spectrum Project in the Northern Territory, with assay results expected in October.
- Sulphides intersected in drill hole FMD016, including pyrite and pyrrhotite zones
- Seven holes drilled totaling 3,129 meters with assays pending
- Spectrum Project targets gold, copper, tin, tungsten, and uranium
- Drilling focused on high-intensity magnetic features near newly identified Oolloo Granite
- No further drilling planned at Fenton South due to lack of mineralisation
Exploration Progress at Spectrum Project
DeSoto Resources Limited (ASX, DES) has provided an update on its drilling activities at the Spectrum Project, located in the Northern Territory’s Pine Creek region. The company has intersected multiple sulphide zones in drill hole FMD016, part of the western target area adjacent to the recently identified Oolloo Granite. This drilling is part of a broader program aimed at exploring the mineral potential along the Fenton Shear Zone, a structurally significant corridor with limited modern exploration.
Significant Sulphide Intersections
The drilling at FMD016 has revealed two distinct sulphide systems, pyrite-dominant zones between 254.5 to 273 meters and 280 to 296 meters, and pyrrhotite-dominant zones from 315 to 327 meters and 333.5 to 348 meters. These sulphide intervals are associated with hydrothermal alteration features such as laminated veins and crackle breccias, indicative of a robust mineralising system. While visual estimates of sulphide abundance are encouraging, the company cautions that assay results, expected in October, are necessary to confirm the economic significance of these findings.
Strategic Geological Context
The Spectrum Project lies within a complex Palaeoproterozoic geological setting, covered by Cambrian sedimentary rocks. The recent integration of regional gravity data has identified the Oolloo Granite, a large buried intrusive body measuring approximately 3.5 km by 15 km, which is thought to be a key control on mineralisation. The FMD016 target is situated along a 3 km aeromagnetic anomaly and above this granite, targeting the down-dropped western side of a reactivated basement fault. This structural setting is analogous to known mineralised zones nearby, including the Fenton prospect where previous drilling returned significant gold intercepts.
Drilling Program and Next Steps
To date, DeSoto has completed seven reverse circulation and diamond drill holes totaling over 3,100 meters at Spectrum, with assays pending for most holes. The company is currently drilling the final two holes at FMD016 before the onset of the wet season. Meanwhile, no further drilling is planned at the Fenton South target due to the absence of strong geophysical or mineralisation indicators. The upcoming assay results will be critical in determining the next phase of exploration and potential resource development.
Management Perspective
Managing Director Chris Swallow expressed optimism about the sulphide intersections, highlighting the underexplored nature of the Fenton Shear Zone and the potential for multiple commodities including gold, copper, tin, tungsten, and uranium. The company’s strategy to leverage new geophysical data and target high-intensity magnetic features near the Oolloo Granite reflects a focused approach to unlocking the region’s mineral potential.
Bottom Line?
As assay results approach, DeSoto’s Spectrum Project stands at a pivotal point that could reshape its exploration trajectory in the Northern Territory.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming assays confirm economically viable grades in the sulphide zones?
- How extensive and continuous are the sulphide mineralised zones along the Fenton Shear Zone?
- What are the implications of the newly identified Oolloo Granite for regional mineralisation models?
