Could Hidden Gravity Anomalies Signal Risks or Rewards for Trek’s Manganese Play?

Discovery Context

Trek Metals Limited (ASX, TKM) has announced a major advancement in its Christmas Creek Project located in Western Australia's Kimberley region. The company’s recent high-resolution ground gravity survey has revealed strong residual gravity anomalies coincident with exceptionally high-grade manganese (Mn) mineralised outcrops, with surface samples grading between 47% and 58% manganese. These findings build upon earlier rock chip results and suggest the presence of a substantial hydrothermal manganese system beneath the surface.

Geophysical Insights and Structural Interpretation

The gravity survey, conducted on a tight 40m by 40m grid, identified two distinct corridors of increased gravity anomalism beneath the main manganese outcrop areas. These corridors extend under shallow sediment cover and are interpreted as structural fault zones controlling mineralisation. The gravity highs and trends extend over a strike length potentially exceeding one kilometre, indicating that the mineralised system could be much larger than the currently mapped 750 metres of surface outcrop.

According to Trek’s CEO Derek Marshall, these geophysical results strongly validate the interpretation of a hydrothermal manganese system analogous to well-known Australian deposits such as Woodie Woodie in Western Australia and Bootu Creek in the Northern Territory. The alignment of gravity anomalies with high-grade surface mineralisation provides compelling walk-up drill targets, which the company is now preparing to test.

Exploration Strategy and Next Steps

Further work is underway to refine the understanding of the mineralisation. This includes integrating the gravity data with recently completed airborne electromagnetic and magnetic surveys, ongoing petrophysical testing of rock samples, and additional geochemical assays. The company has also commenced drill permitting and heritage consultations with the traditional owners of the land, the Yi-Martuwarra Ngurrara and Jaru peoples.

Resource Potentials’ Principal Consultant Dr Jayson Meyers highlighted the geological setting, noting the manganese mineralisation’s association with Proterozoic carbonate host rocks and its hydrothermal origin. This geological context, combined with the geophysical data, supports the potential for a significant manganese district in the Kimberley region.

Broader Implications and Market Potential

The discovery at Christmas Creek could have district-scale implications, potentially establishing a new manganese province in Australia. Given manganese’s critical role in steelmaking and emerging battery technologies, such a find is strategically important. While the true extent and grade continuity at depth remain to be confirmed by drilling, the strong geophysical signatures and high surface grades provide a promising outlook.

Trek Metals is advancing rapidly towards drill testing, with the market awaiting results that could significantly enhance the company’s resource base and position in the manganese sector.