Maximus Resources identifies strong, shallow EM conductor at Hilditch West

Maximus (NYSE:MMS) Resources Ltd has identified several highly prospective electromagnetic (EM) conductors in recent ground-based EM geophysics surveys over the Hilditch West target situated 25 kilometres from BHP Group PLC (LSE:BHP)’s Kambalda Nickel Operations. A Fixed-Loop EM (FLEM) geophysics survey was completed over the company’s Hilditch nickel target and modelling of data by GeoDiscovery Group indicates a large low conductance plate continuing north from nickel-cobalt-copper-scandium intercepts. Within this low conductance plate, a late-time conductor of up to 9000 Siemens has been interpreted. The target plate has dimensions of 600 x 400 metres, dips east at 67 degrees and the top of the plate is 150 metres from the surface. “Ideal setting for Kambalda-style discovery” Maximus Resources managing director Tim Wither said: “The company is excited to share the EM survey results, further reinforcing the very encouraging nickel-copper-cobalt drill intersections at Hilditch West. “The ground-based EM survey has confirmed a strong, shallow, late-time conductor and coincidental magnetic high. “Possessing these key signatures of magnetic high and strong late-time EM conductor, in an area of proven nickel sulphide mineralisation, is an ideal setting for a Kambalda-style nickel sulphide discovery. “Hilditch West is an exciting target in Maximus’ evolving nickel exploration program, and we are looking forward to commencing a diamond drill program at Hilditch West later this quarter.” Longitudinal projection of Hilditch West EM plates. 3D magnetic model iso-surfaces displayed intersecting and west of the conductive plate. Concentrations of pyrrhotite Maximus’s geophysics program was following up on several promising legacy nickel-copper drill intersections and incorporated the recent drill program at the Hilditch West target, to define additional drill-ready, discrete, late-time EM conductors. The company’s maiden reverse circulation (RC) drill program intersected several encouraging shallow nickel-copper-cobalt intersections including: 5 metres at 1.2% nickel, 0.23% copper and 0.08% cobalt from 43 metres; 2 metres at 1.5% nickel and 0.03% copper from 87 metres; 19 metres at 0.4% nickel, 0.1% copper and 2.4 g/t silver from 107 metres; and 12 metres at 0.5% nickel and 0.06% copper from 18 metres, including 2 metres at 0.8% nickel, 0.2% copper, 0.06% cobalt from 21 metres. Maximus’ geologists are encouraged in the prospectivity of this new EM target in light of recent nickel sulphide intersections, proximal to the interpreted lower conductance plate. Magnetic anomalies can be useful in vectoring within an ultramafic sequence as a guide to thickened flows and potential channel or trough positions. This was recently demonstrated at Mincor Resources NL (ASX:MCR)’s Wannaway target, about 37 kilometres south of Hilditch West. Significant concentrations of pyrrhotite are typical of Kambalda-style komatiite hosted nickel-sulphide deposits, which may be the source of the magnetic response. It is also noted that other sources of EM responses may be present within the Kambalda stratigraphy FLEM survey Maximus’ FLEM survey comprised of 13 survey lines of up to 1.8 kilometres in length and utilised GAP geophysics SMART fluxgate sensor and high-powered transmitter, with data collected at 100-metre station separation. A 500-metre diamond drill hole has been designed to intersect both the peak magnetic response and centre of the 9000 S conductive target plate at about 340 metres below the surface. The orientation of sub-surface geological units is not well defined at present, due to limited drilling below 40 metres. Enhancing geological understanding An oriented diamond drill-hole targeting the conductor will also provide the necessary information regarding the subsurface structure to further enhance geological understanding of this nickel prospect In addition, Maximus intends recommencing diamond drilling at the Redback Exploration Incentive Scheme co-funded deep drilling program during this quarter. Furthermore, once drill rig availability has been confirmed,  drill-testing of the Hilditch West target plate will occur during this campaign.