Eclipse Metals Starts Exploration At Queensland Manganese And Iron Projects
Short Only
Contributor Since 2009
Eclipse Metals (ASX: EPM) has kicked off its much awaited preliminary exploration program over the Mary Valley Manganese and Moonford Iron Projects in Queensland.
At Mary Valley, this will concentrate on the main historically producing mines to determine potential resources and grade of manganese mineralisation and to delineate mineralised zones along strike from the previously mined areas.
This program will also include regional reconnaissance of the prospective area through aerial and ground geophysical surveys to delineate further mineralisation.
Moonford reconnaissance will focus on outcrop/subcrop limonite mineralisation outlined by previous exploration.
A 200 kilogram sample will be collected for metallurgical studies to determine if the iron content can be upgraded to a saleable product.
Several probable iron mineralised zones have been identified through aerial mapping from which surface geochemical samples will be collected for analysis. By completing the survey, the company is confident that the overall area of iron bearing lithology will be increased.
"We are excited to have commenced exploration over these highly prospective projects in Queensland. By completing these surveys, we are in a stronger position to target the overall mineral potential in these areas," executive director Pedro Kastellorizos said.
"We look forward to updating the market on further progress with the development at our Projects and to commencing the next stage in the process leading to the definition of an indicated mineral resource."
Mary Valley Manganese Project
The Mary Valley Manganese Project is located approximately 14 kilometres by road southwest of Gympie township.
Historically, the two exploration permits have yielded over 31,000 tonnes of high grade ore from mining operation carried out during the 1920's and 1960's.
An initial field examination of the Mary Valley area has indicated the presence of significant deposits of manganese mineralisation worthy of testing with a planned exploration program.
Moonford Iron Project
The Moonford Iron Project is located about 13 kilometres from Monto Township and railway line, about 133 rail kilometres from the port of Gladstone.
It covers about 18 square kilometres of favourable iron bearing lithology (Evergreen Formation - Oolitic ironstone).
Analysis
Eclipse Metals is now following up on desktop studies carried out last year with preliminary exploration over the Mary Valley Manganese and Moonford Iron Projects.
These programs will provide the company with a clearer understanding of where manganese mineralisation may still be present at the previously producing Mary Valley as well as determine if the iron at Moonford can be upgraded to a saleable product.
Exploration at the two projects is very much at its early stages and there is more to look out for at the two projects.
Proactive Investors Australia is the market leader in producing news, articles and research reports on ASX "Small and Mid-cap" stocks with distribution in Australia, UK, North America and Hong Kong / China.