Taruga Minerals Unveils High-Priority Gold and Base Metal Targets at Thowagee South
Taruga Minerals has identified promising gold and base metal anomalies at its Thowagee South project in Western Australia, supported by new geophysical and geochemical data. These findings set the stage for refined exploration and potential future drilling.
- Coincident gravity, magnetic, and electromagnetic anomalies detected near historical workings
- Rock chip assays reveal gold alongside elevated lead, copper, and zinc
- Soil sampling outlines a 1.5km gold-arsenic trend aligned with a major shear zone
- Four short diamond core holes confirm base metal sulphides in existing workings
- Ongoing 2-D and 3-D geophysical modelling to refine drill targets
Exploration Breakthrough at Thowagee South
Taruga Minerals Limited (ASX, TAR) has delivered a compelling update on its exploration activities at the Thowagee South project, located in the Gascoyne province of Western Australia. Recent geophysical surveys combining gravity, magnetic, and electromagnetic methods have delineated a cluster of coincident anomalies that lie adjacent to historical base metal workings, suggesting a robust mineralised system.
The company’s technical director, David Chapman, highlighted that the integration of airborne VTEM data with ground-based fixed-loop electromagnetic (FLEM) surveys has confirmed a discrete conductive plate. This geophysical signature aligns closely with subtle gravity and magnetic highs, reinforcing the prospectivity of the target area.
Geochemical Evidence Supports Structural Controls
Complementing the geophysical data, expanded soil sampling has revealed a 1.5-kilometre-long elevated gold and arsenic trend. This geochemical anomaly coincides with an interpreted shear zone and quartz vein horizon, which are classic structural controls for intrusion-related gold deposits. Rock chip sampling near the electromagnetic anomaly returned encouraging gold grades up to 0.5 grams per tonne, alongside significant lead and copper mineralisation, evidenced by galena and malachite mineralisation.
These findings suggest a complex mineral system with both precious and base metal components, potentially linked to the historical workings at Thowagee. The presence of anomalous lead, zinc, and copper in rock chips further supports the interpretation of a polymetallic mineralised environment.
Drilling and Modelling to Define Targets
In July, Taruga completed four short slimline diamond core holes within the walls and floor of existing workings. The drilling aimed to characterise the mineralogy and rock types immediately adjacent to historically mined high-grade ore. Visual core logging confirmed the presence of base metal sulphides such as galena and sphalerite, providing direct evidence of mineralisation in situ.
Currently, the company is undertaking detailed 2-D profile and 3-D inversion modelling of the gravity and magnetic datasets. This modelling is expected to refine the depth, orientation, and dimensions of the target anomalies, thereby enabling more precise drillhole planning for upcoming exploration phases.
Strategic Outlook and Broader Exploration
Taruga’s exploration strategy extends beyond Thowagee South, with plans to apply insights gained here to other prospects within its Gascoyne tenure, including Uaroo Ridge and Moodong Well. The company is also actively evaluating additional project acquisition opportunities both within Australia and internationally, aiming to expand its portfolio of advanced exploration assets.
While these results are preliminary and do not yet define a mineral resource, the convergence of geophysical and geochemical evidence at Thowagee South marks a significant step forward in Taruga’s exploration campaign. The company’s methodical approach to integrating multiple datasets and confirming targets through drilling underscores its commitment to unlocking value in this underexplored region.
Bottom Line?
Taruga Minerals’ latest exploration data at Thowagee South sharpens the focus on a promising gold-base metal system, setting the stage for targeted drilling and potential resource definition.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the upcoming 3-D geophysical modelling influence the design and scope of future drilling programs?
- What are the implications of the polymetallic mineralisation for potential mining economics at Thowagee South?
- Could the structural and geochemical models developed here be successfully applied to other Gascoyne prospects?
