Flinders receives assays from BID drilling
THE DRILL SERGEANT: Flinders Mines has received results from the first batch of assays for a follow-up drilling program targeted at defining additional Brockman Iron Deposit (BID) mineralisation at its Pilbara iron ore project in Western Australia.
Flinders said the latest results have given it a high degree of confidence that its geological model for additional high grade ore on the margins of its channel based deposits can be validated.
Additional testing of these target zones is being scheduled; however, the company said it is confident there is potential for an increased Direct Shipping Ore resource of shallow, easily mineable ore.
Following the completion of an initial Measured Resource status infill drilling program the company carried out in June, it embarked upon a reverse circulation (RC) drill campaign, which has been testing recently identified BID zones and completing required Indicated Resource status infill work.
“The results highlight good grades, thicknesses and close proximity to surface,” Flinders Mines said in its ASX announcement.
“Only three of the drill holes in this initial batch of assays failed to produce significant results, indicating the extent to which this mineralisation is extending – further, the majority of this mineralisation lies outside the scope of the current global resource estimations currently underway.
“The thickness of the intersections are excellent and they are all at or near surface and well above the water table, which has the potential to result in low strip ratios and mining costs.”
The current drill program being undertaken by Flinders Mines is almost complete, much earlier than what the company expected.
The faster than expected drill rates will result in the company’s 2011 drilling program finishing ahead of schedule and under budget.
“With a proven geological model, a mapping program in the hills has been implemented, not only in Delta but across the whole tenement, in the areas that may be prospective for high quality BID mineralisation,” Flinders said.
“This mapping has identified areas of BID mineralisation in the hills in addition to that already tested.
“Work is underway to prioritise these targets for drilling to test the extent and quality of this mineralisation as soon as necessary approvals and clearances can been obtained.
“The mineralisation identified on the flanks of the hills remains open and will be the focus of further investigation during the first half of 2012.”