Western Mines Group has revealed extensive nickel sulphide mineralisation in the diamond tail of drill hole MTRC011 at its Mulga Tank Project, confirming two promising mineralised horizons that could double the site's resource potential.
- 466m cumulative nickel sulphide mineralisation at 0.32% Ni in MTRC011
- Higher-grade zones including 128m at 0.39% Ni and 36m at 0.50% Ni
- Discovery of two distinct mineralised horizons interpreted as separate magma pulses
- Strong geochemical evidence of active magmatic sulphide processes
- Results align closely with previous drill hole MTD028, enhancing project confidence
Extensive Nickel Sulphide Mineralisation Confirmed
Western Mines Group Ltd (ASX – WMG) has provided a significant update on its Mulga Tank Ni-Co-Cu-PGE Project in Western Australia's Eastern Goldfields, reporting robust geochemical assay results from the diamond tail extension of drill hole MTRC011. The assays confirm a cumulative 466 metres of nickel sulphide mineralisation averaging 0.32% nickel, alongside cobalt, copper, and platinum group elements, underscoring the presence of a substantial magmatic nickel sulphide system.
Two Mineralised Horizons Enhance Prospectivity
Notably, the drilling has delineated two separate mineralised zones within the Mulga Tank Complex – an active basal zone and an upper mineralised horizon. These are interpreted as distinct sulphur-saturated magma pulses, a geological feature that effectively doubles the exploration potential of the complex. The upper zone in MTRC011 shows particularly encouraging grades, including 128 metres at 0.39% nickel, with a 36-metre section at 0.50% nickel.
Consistent Results with Previous Drilling
The results from MTRC011 closely mirror those from nearby diamond hole MTD028, which intersected 140 metres at 0.49% nickel, including 82 metres at 0.55% nickel. This consistency across drill holes reinforces the geological model and the presence of an extensive nickel sulphide mineral system. The mineralisation is hosted within a high magnesium ultramafic dunite, with sulphide mineralisation occurring as disseminated and semi-massive sulphide segregations.
Geochemical Evidence Supports Active Magmatic Processes
Geochemical indicators such as elevated sulphur to nickel ratios, anomalous copper, and platinum group elements confirm the sulphides are ‘live’ and magmatic in origin, which is critical for potential economic extraction. The presence of high-tenor nickel sulphide globules and semi-massive sulphide segregations near the basal contact further supports the potential for massive sulphide accumulations.
Ongoing Exploration and Future Drilling
Western Mines is advancing its Phase 4 drilling program, aiming to systematically test the western margin of the Mulga Tank Complex where these mineralised horizons have been identified. The company plans to leverage existing reverse circulation holes to extend diamond drilling efficiently, potentially saving significant costs. Managing Director Dr Caedmon Marriott highlighted the strategic importance of these findings, noting that the dual mineralised horizons provide compelling targets for future massive sulphide deposits.
Bottom Line?
With two distinct nickel sulphide horizons now identified, Western Mines is poised to unlock further value at Mulga Tank as drilling intensifies.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the dual mineralised horizons impact the overall resource estimate and mine planning?
- What are the next steps to confirm the economic viability of these sulphide zones?
- Could similar dual-horizon mineralisation be present elsewhere in the Mulga Tank Complex?