Maronan Metals has reported strong infill drilling results at its Maronan Project, intersecting shallow, high-grade silver-lead mineralisation just 250 metres north of the Starter Zone. This progress supports an accelerated 40,000-metre drilling campaign feeding into prefeasibility work.
- High-grade silver-lead intercepts up to 15.8% lead and 141g/t silver
- Mineralisation found within 120m of permitted exploration decline
- Third drill rig arriving in August to accelerate 40,000m infill program
- Some oxide mineralisation encountered but currently not recoverable
- Drilling results to inform ongoing prefeasibility study
Shallow Silver-Lead Mineralisation Extends North of Starter Zone
Maronan Metals (ASX:MMA) has unveiled promising infill drilling results at its Maronan Project in Queensland, revealing shallow, high-grade silver-lead sulphide mineralisation approximately 250 metres north of the Starter Zone. Notably, these intercepts lie within just 120 metres of the company’s fully permitted exploration decline, a critical infrastructure component for future development.
Drill holes MRN26002 and MRN26003 delivered standout results, with MRN26002 intersecting 7.3 metres at 11.0% lead and 89 g/t silver, including a higher-grade 4.3 metres at 15.8% lead and 118 g/t silver. MRN26003 confirmed broad mineralisation with 14.2 metres at 3.5% lead and 40 g/t silver. These intercepts span both the Eastern and Western Horizons, the key mineralised zones at Maronan, underscoring the deposit’s continuity beyond previously defined limits.
Accelerated Drilling Program Supports Prefeasibility Study
With two drill rigs already active and more than 7,000 metres completed, Maronan Metals plans to deploy a third rig in August to fast-track its 40,000-metre surface infill drilling program. This campaign aims to upgrade resource confidence and underpin the ongoing prefeasibility study (PFS), which is focused on converting inferred resources to the indicated category and testing extensions down plunge and laterally.
Managing Director Richard Carlton highlighted the significance of the new silver-lead intersections near the Starter Zone, which was the subject of a Preliminary Economic Assessment last September. He emphasised that the proximity of these intercepts to the permitted decline enhances their potential value and that shareholders can expect regular news flow as drilling progresses through the remainder of the year.
Complex Mineralisation and Oxide Zones Present Challenges
The drilling campaign also encountered some oxide silver-lead mineralisation, notably in holes MRN26005 and MRN26006, which is currently not considered recoverable and thus excluded from resource calculations. MRN26005 intersected 14 metres at 7.9% lead and 36 g/t silver in oxide form, while MRN26006 was abandoned early due to drilling issues and will be re-drilled. The presence of oxide zones introduces some uncertainty around near-surface resource valuation but remains a known factor in the deposit’s geology.
Alongside silver-lead, the project hosts copper-gold and gold-only mineralisation styles, with some drill holes intersecting narrow gold zones and copper mineralisation extending beyond the Starter Zone. The polymetallic nature of Maronan adds complexity but also diversification to the resource base.
Technical Rigor and Ongoing Exploration Commitment
The results reported are based on diamond drilling with detailed logging, assay, and quality control procedures adhering to the JORC Code standards. Samples were processed by ALS Global laboratories, with comprehensive QAQC protocols including certified reference materials and blanks to ensure data integrity.
Maronan Metals continues to build on a history of exploration by multiple parties since 1987, refining its geological model and resource estimates. The current drilling density near the Starter Zone supports indicated resource classification, while wider spaced drilling areas remain inferred.
As the company advances its prefeasibility study and resource upgrade, the evolving drilling results will be pivotal in defining the scale and economic potential of the Maronan Project.
Bottom Line?
Maronan Metals’ latest drilling confirms high-grade silver-lead extensions close to key infrastructure, setting the stage for resource upgrades and prefeasibility progress, but oxide zones and pending assays warrant close attention.
Questions in the middle?
- How will ongoing assay results impact the resource model and confidence levels?
- What is the timeline and scope for converting inferred resources to indicated status?
- How might oxide mineralisation zones affect near-surface resource valuation and mining plans?