Highlights:
- Seven targets have been selected for the initial phase of exploration scout hole drilling on the Rathkeale Block. These targets build on work carried out on the Rathkeale Block by Adventus to date and have been refined by selected geochemical and geophysical fieldwork carried out in the period since
April 2020 . - A total of 5,000 metres of drilling is planned to target the prospective base of Waulsortian limestone for zinc-lead mineralization. The first hole 21-3368-01 on the Killeen target collared in late
November 2021 and is targeted at the hanging wall of the GB fault. - Phase 1 drill holes are targeted in areas with limited drill testing to the base of Waulsortian Reef with targeting based on prospective geochemistry and structural-stratigraphic setting.
- In addition to testing robust exploration targets, Phase 1 drilling will provide an essential test of the block structural interpretation, interpretation of seismic data and of the combination of exploration techniques deployed on the block in the 2020-2021 period.
- Phase 1 scout hole drilling will include a down-hole geophysical component to allow calibration of Adventus's seismic databases, as well as available ground magnetic and magneto-telluric (MT) data, and Tellus airborne magnetics and EM data.
- Drilling of initial two scout holes (Julianstown and Marvelstown) on the Kingscourt block was completed successfully. The drill holes validate the geological model of this part of the basin, indicating a well-developed target horizon (Pale Beds) and prospective lithogeochemistry to aid further targeting.
Rathkeale Block Geology
The Rathkeale Block consists of a total of eight contiguous prospecting licences covering an area of approximately 255 km2 of prospective ground for base of Waulsortian Zn-Pb mineralization in west
(1) Glencore Resources & Reserves (as of |
Rathkeale Block Target Refinement
Over the last year, the target generation compilation was updated to include all the new exploration data being collected over the Rathkeale Block. Large datasets for surficial geochemistry (including soil and lithogeochemical samples), historical drilling, historical geophysical studies (gravity, magnetics, electromagnetic) and geological mapping were incorporated and developed into working models. Each target that was developed required rock exposures to be checked and mapped; however, high-priority areas had a combination of geochemical & geophysical techniques were applied (ionic leach soils, SGH, ground MT) to further enhance target refinement for drilling.
To visualize the Rathkeale geological and structural framework, detailed cross-sections using historical drill hole and recent seismic information were constructed and digitized. These cross-sections were then added to a Leapfrog Geo 3D model that was developed for visualization of all target generation initiative ("TGI") datasets. This 3D model allows for enhanced target selection in the 3D environment, notably for drill hole planning. A key component of the Phase 1 scout hole drilling at Rathkeale is the refinement and verification of the current geological and structural interpretation, which will lead to the overall enhancement of target evaluation. The seven Phase 1 scout hole drill targets were selected due to a combination of pre-existing targeting utilising 2017 seismic data, updated structural-stratigraphic targeting, historical mineral occurrences without base of Waulsortian test current geochemical-geophysical targeting.
The first drill hole in the program, collared in late
Kingscourt Drilling Update
Two holes 21-3609-01 and 21-3732-01 were completed in mid-2021 on the Marl Hill (Julianstown) and Marvelstown targets respectively described in the
The pXRF data collected on drill core indicates elevated base metal concentrations in the Micrite Unit that appears to be the most prospective assemblage intersected in 21-3732-01. The pXRF data also indicates a greater degree of hydrothermal alteration in this part of the basin denoted by hydrothermal dolomite signatures (with enrichments in manganese, iron, and magnesium). The profiles of the Pale Beds in 21-3732-01 show a broad pattern of mineralization and alteration, with a galena dominant signature towards the base of the Pale Beds and sphalerite mineralization at a higher elevation. Both weakly mineralized zones are interpreted as fault-controlled mineralization with the lower zone being more sulphide deficient (lead and barium enriched), whereas the higher zone having formed in a more reduced environment leading to low arsenic pyrite, low cadmium sphalerite, more sphalerite formation relative to galena with associated dolomitization.
With these two drill holes, only a very small portion of the prospective area from the Kingscourt Fault east along the broad hanging wall of the
Next Steps
Adventus and South32 plan to continue with drilling the remaining scout hole targets on the Rathkeale Block, as each target is considered stand-alone. Key targeting information derived from the completion of the current drill hole on the Killeen target will be incorporated into the Rathkeale TGI, and the geological and geophysical modelling will be updated using the downhole data obtained, with future drill planning adjusted accordingly. The technical team is also continuing to work on the remaining Kingscourt targets and assessing follow up drilling based upon results from the first two drill holes. Additional drilling at Kingscourt is expected in the first half of 2022.
Geochemical sampling is ongoing on the Fermoy block with results expected in Q1 2022 for incorporation into the Fermoy TGI with detailed follow up to be carried out ahead of developing targets for drilling in the second half of 2022; however, it should be noted that five new prospecting licenses have now been issued for the Fermoy block totalling 122km2, expanding the coverage over prospective lands with field work commencing in 2022.
Technical Information and Quality Control & Quality Assurance ("QAQC")
Project work in
Qualified Person
The technical information of this news release has been reviewed and verified as accurate by Mr.
About Adventus
About South32
South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. We produce bauxite, alumina, aluminium, and metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at our operations in
Neither the
This press release contains "forward -looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, identified by words or phrases such as "believes", "anticipates", "expects", "is expected", "scheduled", "estimates", "pending", "intends", "plans", "forecasts", "targets", or "hopes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "will", "should" "might", "will be taken", or "occur" and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking information herein includes, but is not limited to, statements that address activities, events, or developments that Adventus and Salazar expect or anticipate will or may occur in the future. Although Adventus and Salazar have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events, or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Adventus and Salazar undertake to update any forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
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Table 1: Drill Collar Information, Rathkeale block
Hole ID | EAST | NORTH | ELEV (m) | AZIMUTH | DIP | DEPTH (m) | COMMENT |
21-3368-01 | 550316 | 647065 | 24 | 152 | -70 | N/A | In progress; target depth of Pale Beds ~ 900 m |
Notes: |
Table 2: Drill Collar Information, Kingscourt block
Hole ID | EAST | NORTH | ELEV (m) | AZIMUTH | DIP | DEPTH (m) | COMMENT |
29-3609-01 | 685436 | 787317 | 61 | 160 | -75 | 657 | Successfully completed as planned |
21-3732-01 | 680528 | 782619 | 70 | 160 | -75 | 534 | Successfully completed as planned |
Notes: |
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