Tempest Minerals completes 2020 drilling with gold identified at OK Corral target area

Tempest Minerals Ltd (ASX:TEM)(FRA:LIF) has completed its 2020 reverse circulation (RC) drilling program of 20 holes for 622 metres at Warriedar West Project in WA, with the presence of gold identified at the OK Corral target area. Initial results have confirmed gold within the silica rich lithocap in addition to widespread surface gold previously reported, which is consistent with other intrusive mineral systems. Tempest non-executive director Owen Burchell said “The presence of shallow gold at Warriedar West validates a ground-breaking exploration process that began in 2018. “These results are encouraging and support our long-term gold exploration strategy.” Drilling at OK Corral The scout drilling program tested targets in the northwest of the project identified during early reconnaissance sampling and mapping. They include large areas of intense alteration and quartz veining with rock chip samples up to 8 grams per tonne. Drilling progress was hindered by mechanical issues and geological conditions associated with the interpreted silica and clay-rich lithocap, however, seven holes for 272 metres were drilled at the OK Corral zone targeting interpreted enrichment zones in the siliceous cap in and around large-scale shear zone complexes associated with quartz veining. Initial assays show widespread dispersed gold in the lateritic profile. The drill programs to test targets will restart early in 2021. Intrusive Related Gold mineralisation Drilling at the Warriedar West Project targeted Intrusive Related Gold (IRG) and orogenic gold mineralisation. IRG systems are not widely explored in Western Australia, though this is changing with interest stemming from similar styles of mineralisation such as the world-class Hemi discovery by De Grey Mining Limited (ASX:DEG) (OTCMKTS:DGMLF) (FRA:DGD) and other contemporary examples such as Northern Star Resources Ltd (ASX:NST) (OTCMKTS:NESRF) (FRA:NS7) Pogo Mine (10 million ounces) in Alaska. Drilling at the project was focused on several target areas of shallow, outcropping zones of highly altered silica rich intrusive with mapped quartz veining. The company has previously reported surface sampling results indicating the presence of several multi-square-kilometre definitive trace elements and gold anomalous zones at Warriedar. Initial assays show widespread dispersed gold in the lateritic profile. Next steps The completion of the recent $1.1 million placement will underpin upcoming field work in 2021. Further assays are expected in January 2021 and the company plans to conduct follow-up testing implementing more robust drilling systems for the ground conditions encountered such as diamond drilling.