Grand Gulf Energy’s initial fieldwork at its Dry Wash Antimony Project in Utah reveals visible stibnite mineralisation, hinting at promising shallow deposits linked to nearby known mineral systems.
- Visible stibnite found in multiple rock chip samples
- Dry Wash geology mirrors adjacent Antimony Canyon mineralised system
- 20 samples collected with assay results pending
- Shallow mineralised zones associated with north-trending faults
- Planned geophysical surveys and potential drilling to follow
Initial Fieldwork Uncovers Visible Antimony
Grand Gulf Energy Limited (ASX, GGE) has announced encouraging early results from reconnaissance fieldwork at its Dry Wash Antimony Project in Utah, USA. The company’s geologists identified visible stibnite; a primary antimony mineral; in multiple rock chip samples collected across the 8,122-acre project area. This discovery supports the hypothesis that the mineralised system known from the adjacent Antimony Canyon Project operated by American Tungsten and Antimony Limited (ASX, AT4) extends into Grand Gulf’s tenure.
Geological Parallels Strengthen Exploration Case
The Dry Wash project shares significant stratigraphic and structural similarities with Antimony Canyon, particularly within the Eocene Flagstaff Formation. Both areas feature volcaniclastic horizons and north-trending faults that appear to control mineralisation. Grand Gulf’s field observations suggest that these shallow, stratiform zones could represent a continuation of a district-scale mineralised corridor, a promising sign for the project’s potential.
Assays Pending, Next Steps Planned
While visible stibnite provides a qualitative indication of mineralisation, the company awaits assay results from 20 collected samples to quantify antimony grades and guide further exploration. These results will inform upcoming geophysical surveys, detailed surface mapping, and additional sampling efforts. Grand Gulf plans to progress rapidly through these stages, aiming to refine drill targets and advance towards permitting and initial drilling, subject to regulatory approvals.
Strategic Expansion into Critical Minerals
This exploration initiative marks a strategic diversification for Grand Gulf, traditionally focused on helium, oil, and gas. Antimony is a critical mineral with growing demand for use in flame retardants, batteries, and other industrial applications. The Dry Wash project’s proximity to a known mineralised system and early positive indicators position Grand Gulf to potentially tap into this critical minerals market.
Cautious Optimism Amid Early Stage Exploration
Despite the promising initial findings, it is important to note that the project remains at an early exploration stage with no drilling completed yet. Visual identification of stibnite does not guarantee economic mineralisation, and assay results will be crucial to validate the project’s commercial potential. Investors and observers will be watching closely as Grand Gulf advances its exploration program in the coming months.
Bottom Line?
Dry Wash’s visible antimony is a promising start, but assays will be the true test of its potential.
Questions in the middle?
- What grades will the pending assay results reveal for the Dry Wash samples?
- How will geophysical surveys refine the understanding of subsurface mineralisation?
- When might Grand Gulf commence drilling, and what targets will be prioritised?