Diamond drilling at Buru Energy and Sipa Resources' jointly held Barbwire Terrace project south-east of Broome in WA has turned up a smorgasbord of high-grade base metal mineralisation. The joint venture says portable XRF readings on samples from one of the two recently plunged holes delivered grades as high as 19.8 per cent lead plus zinc from 413.5 metres downhole.
XRF analysis of the program’s core also delivered several lead and zinc-focussed hits running above the 1 per cent mark along with a 38m parcel of visual sulphide material running up to 5 per cent.
The samples have now been sent to an assay laboratory for more detailed evaluation.
Portable x-ray fluorescence, or “pXRF” is an analytical technique commonly used in the exploration field to conduct relatively non-destructive chemical analyses of rocks, minerals, sediments and fluids using a handheld tool. The process is generally seen as the first phase of understanding a samples mineralogical make-up.
The process is usually followed by a lab-based chemical assay program which delivers a more accurate and comprehensive set of results.
The work forms part of a four-hole probe at the site aimed at testing base metal targets along the south-western margin of the Fitzroy Trough.
The 50/50 split JV is currently drill testing a chunk of its Barbwire tenure that it says is highly prospective for lead-zinc. Management says the tenure’s mineralisation is hosted in a rock unit termed the “Pilbara Limestone” and is comparable in geological setting to several other deposits on the north-eastern margin of the Fitzroy Trough.
According to the duo the two completed holes both intercepted significant parcels of dolomitised limestone, wide-scale hydrothermal alteration and elevated levels of base metal mineralisation.
The Pilbara Limestone was also struck at the base of the two holes.
After completing the pair, the rig was mobilised about 21km southeast where drilling has commenced on a third diamond hole.
The JV is backed by Western Australia Government’s Exploration Incentive Scheme. The program grants companies engaged in programs earmarked as critical to the state's long-term stability to a slice of a $12.5 million dollar kitty.
Buru and Sipa could recoup as much as $180,000 of its drilling costs from the incentive.
Sipa Resources' Managing Director, Pip Darvall said:“Things are definitely heating up at Barbwire Terrace with the identification of significant lead and zinc mineralisation in our second completed hole. Intersection of the target horizon and evidence for mineralisation in both holes suggests we may be on the cusp of identifying a new mineralised province with extensive scale potential.”
Buru says historical energy and base metal program’s at the site intersected a host of carbonate rich host rocks with significant-scale zinc halos, however the encouraging strikes were never followed up.
The oil and gas developer bought a stake in Sipa’s project about two years ago by funding the first $250,000 of on-ground activities at the site. As part of the agreement Sipa maintains operational duties at Barbwire Terrace.
The asset forms part of Buru’s energy transition strategy and lies south-east of its oil and gas leases in the Canning Basin.
According to the Minerals Council of Australia, zinc is projected to experience solid demand over the next decade owing to its ongoing use in low carbon energy applications such as solar panels and wind turbines.
The forecast means Buru could be putting together a pipeline of resources capable of powering the next wave of energy demands – in addition to its oil production projects which helps cater for present requirements.
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By Matt Birney
