Apollo Minerals selects contractor for 12,000-metre drilling program at Kroussou Zinc-Lead Project in Gabon

Apollo Minerals Limited (ASX:AON) (FRA:4AP) has selected a preferred contractor and is finalising the drill contract after a competitive tendering process for its Kroussou Zinc-Lead Project in Gabon. In its June quarterly report, it said the proposed 12,000-metre reverse circulation (RC) rig is targeted at rapidly defining shallow (open-pittable), zinc-lead mineralisation over multiple prospects, to justify the commencement of feasibility studies, with an initial focus on the Dikaki and Niamabimbou prospects. Drill plans have been finalised for these prospects based on historical exploration and the results of recent field exploration programs. These include infill and extension drilling at Dikaki and initial reconnaissance drilling of the prospective contact position at Niamabimbou. Action plan Apollo Minerals also listed its action plan for the September quarter, which includes: Finalise and execute the drill contract; Commence mobilisation of the drill rig and support equipment to the project site (subject to COVID-19 restrictions); and Advance the logistics required to support the drilling program, including site camp establishment and drill site access/pad clearance. Kroussou exploration plan The initial exploration program’s overall work plan at Kroussou will include: Surface exploration programs comprising geological mapping, rock chip and soil sampling to further assess identified prospects and generate new targets within the broader project area; Ranking and prioritisation of exploration targets across the project area based on newly-acquired and historical data; Drilling programs utilising a track-mounted RC rig suitable for rapid and cost-effective testing of multiple target areas; Geophysical surveys to refine identified prospects and generate new targets; Metallurgical test-work over all prospective targets to assess recovery characteristics, concentrate quality and variability; Estimation and reporting of a mineral resource in accordance with the JORC code; and Commencement of feasibility studies. Apollo Minerals said it would undertake the work program with a strong commitment to all aspects of sustainable development and responsible mining, with an integrated approach to economic, social, environmental, health and safety management. Soil sampling An extensive program of soil sampling has been completed across multiple prospects during its maiden field exploration campaign. Soil sampling grids were completed at the Niamabimbou (reconnaissance and infill), Dignali, Ofoubou and Migoumbi prospects, with a total of 1,742 samples collected. The samples will be analysed using a portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyser once the recently acquired instrument is imported into Gabon. Migoumbi prospect At the Migoumbi prospect, a sedimentary channel 10 kilometres south of the Niamabimbou prospect, a geological mapping, rock chip and soil sampling program was partially completed at the end of the previous quarter, prior to the program being curtailed and field crew demobilised due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The extremely encouraging results from the first pass reconnaissance program at the Migoumbi prospect will be followed up, and further mapping and rock/soil sampling completed to cover the upstream portion of the channel, once field activities recommence. COVID-19 update The company continues to evaluate the COVID-19 situation in Gabon, with a view to mobilising its team and recommencing field activities when permitted under the local containment measures and when considered safe and practical to do so. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, the Gabonese Government lifted or eased a number of restrictions it had imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. Commercial air travel has resumed, with two international flights per airline per week. However European travellers, both for business and leisure purposes, are still not permitted to travel to Gabon. In addition, the resumption to travel by air, road, boat or train within Gabon is also now allowed subject to certain conditions. Apollo Minerals had demobilised its field team in mid-March and all expatriate personnel, except one, returned to their home countries prior to the travel restrictions being implemented.