Perpetual Resources has digitised and reviewed 42 historical drill holes from its Nevada Scheelite tungsten project, identifying 22 with significant tungsten grades, underpinning plans for modern validation and 3D geological modelling.
- 22 of 42 historical drill holes show tungsten grades ≥0.2% WO3
- High-grade intervals up to 1.98% WO3 over 7 metres identified
- 29 drill holes have confirmed collar and survey data
- Historical data digitisation ongoing to cover 400+ drill holes
- 3D geological model in development to guide future drilling
High-Grade Historical Tungsten Intercepts Revisited
Perpetual Resources Limited (ASX:PEC) has uncovered multiple high-grade tungsten intervals in an initial tranche of 42 historical drill holes from the Nevada Scheelite Tungsten Project in Nevada, USA. The review, based on archival data from former operator Union Carbide Corporation, revealed 22 holes with reported tungsten grades at or above 0.2% WO3, including standout intercepts such as 7.01 metres at 1.95% WO3 and 7.59 metres at 1.50% WO3. These figures echo the historical mine’s average production grade of approximately 1.1% WO3 between 1937 and 1957, underscoring the deposit’s potential despite the results being unverified and requiring modern validation.
Digitisation and Data Validation Underway
The company has confirmed collar coordinates and downhole survey data for 29 of the 42 reviewed holes, enabling the integration of these data points into a developing 3D geological model. This model aims to reconstruct the granodiorite-limestone contact zone that hosts the high-grade skarn mineralisation, a key structural feature controlling tungsten deposition. The initial tranche represents just 10% of the more than 400 historical drill holes in Perpetual’s secured database, with ongoing digitisation and validation expected to bolster geological understanding and exploration targeting.
Historical Data Limitations and Core Audit Plans
While encouraging, the historical exploration results are subject to technical limitations. They lack complete sampling records, QA/QC protocols, and true width determinations. The company has not independently verified these historical intercepts through re-drilling or re-assaying, and no geological continuity between drill holes is currently asserted. To address these gaps, Perpetual plans to audit surviving diamond drill core stored on-site and regionally in Fallon, Nevada. This physical audit will support modern re-assays and quality control testing, crucial steps before any Mineral Resource estimation can be contemplated.
Strategic Targeting for Future Drilling
Historical mine plans indicate that the highest-grade tungsten shoots were concentrated around north-contact intrusive overhangs of the granodiorite stock, structural traps that focused hydrothermal fluid flow. Perpetual intends to prioritise these zones, along with untested deep contact dip reversals below the 500 Level and the northeast embayment near claim boundaries, for validation and step-out drilling. This targeted approach, guided by the enhanced 3D geological model, aims to test the potential for mineralisation extensions beyond historically mined areas.
Land Tenure and Royalty Considerations
The Nevada Scheelite claims consist of four patented lode mining claims secured under option by Perpetual. While the vendor retains a 2% net smelter return royalty, there is disclosure of a possible historical royalty or third-party interest over part or all of the project area, the details of which remain to be clarified. This factor introduces a degree of uncertainty regarding future project economics and will require resolution as exploration progresses.
Bottom Line?
Perpetual’s methodical digitisation and validation of extensive historical tungsten data lay the groundwork for targeted drilling campaigns that could redefine Nevada Scheelite’s resource potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will modern drilling validate and potentially extend the historical tungsten mineralisation?
- What impact might unresolved third-party royalties have on project economics?
- To what extent will the audit and re-assay of surviving core influence resource confidence?