ASX-listed Si6 Metals has generated multiple high-priority drill targets from a geophysical AMT survey across its Dibete, Airstrip and Maibele North prospects at its Maibele base metals project in Botswana. Results delivered from the Dibete prospect pointed to numerous untested anomalies that lie along strike and underneath known mineralisation consistent with a “Messina Copper” style mineralisation according to the company.
14 of a total 34 lines of AMT surveying were conducted at the Dibete prospect from an extensive geophysical survey across the Maibele base metals project targeting the proliferous Limpopo mobile belt that is known for hosting major nickel and copper operations.
The remaining 20 lines of AMT geophysical surveys were conducted over the Airstrip and Maibele North prospects where results are still pending.
A previous AMT survey conducted at Maibele North identified the known mineralisation present in addition to numerous deeper targets that are currently in planning to be drill tested over the coming months.
Si6 has an advanced nickel, copper, cobalt and platinum group element resource at Maibele North in addition to a high-grade copper and silver deposit at the Airstrip and Dibete prospects.
A variety of exploration techniques are being utilised across the company’s Botswana portfolio in addition to airborne geophysical AMT surveys including a ground geophysical survey designed to target deeper mineralisation for follow-up drill testing.
Geophysical results between lines 3 to 7 of the Dibete prospect showed a promising response, lighting up beneath the known shallow, high-grade mineralisation. The response models a vertical, “pipe-like” body that Si6 says is geometrically reminiscent of the breccia-pipe style of copper mineralisation at the Messina copper district that yielded 700,000 tonnes of copper over its lifespan.
The Messina copper district contains multiple high-grade copper deposits comprising breccia pipes centred on the intersection of northwest and northeast trending structures within a high-grade metamorphic zone on the Limpopo mobile belt.
The Messina deposits were initially discovered through the recognition of narrow, high-grade copper veins near surface. Upon deeper drilling, a larger orebody extending to over 1,400m depth along a 15km strike zone was identified.
Si6 Metals Executive Chairman, Patrick Holywell said: “The AMT Survey model we are using in Botswana has proven yet again that it is a very successful model in identifying targets for drilling programs. With the results in now for Dibete, we can clearly see that multiple high-quality targets exist both beneath and along strike from known mineralisation. We are currently in the final stages of completing our targeting exercises for the upcoming drill program at Dibete and will update the market accordingly. We eagerly await the results from the AMT survey at Airstrip and Maibele North and then onto drilling as soon as possible.”
With a monster historical copper mining district located on the same mobile belt and geological similarities aplenty, Si6 will no doubt be keen to drill test its theories in what is recognised geological elephant country.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au
By Matt Birney
