INTEGRATED precious metal and uranium explorer Marmota Energy has applauded authorities for their final decision to approve first drill testing at its high-priority Durkin copper-nickel prospect in South Australia’s Gawler Craton.
Following the government approval, Marmota announced mobilisation was set for 25 March to the rig site at Durkin, near the company’s Indooroopilly gold project and Challenger gold mine. Marmota conducted geophysical surveys in late 2012 after laboratory assays of the company’s initial surface samples confirmed copper and nickel mineralisation.
Within these positive initial results, multiple coincident EM conductor, gravity and surface geochemical targets were identified for first-round drilling.
The company reported that it maintained “reserved anticipation” for the mineralisation potential within several parts of the Durkin area, with multiple conductive targets identified from airborne electromagnetic (AEM) survey data covering the prospect area.
The company plans to place specific drilling emphasis on the three best performing AEMs.
Marmota also plans to use its exploration to further drill test Archaean gold targets in the Indooroopilly project.
Drilling will commence at Indooroopilly following the completion of first pass drilling at Durkin, with a total of 6000m of drilling planned for both projects across a six-week period.
