REG - Empire Metals Ltd - Exploration Target for Pitfield Titanium Project
12/06/2024 07:15
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RNS Number : 0475S Empire Metals Limited 12 June 2024
Empire Metals Limited / LON: EEE / Sector: Natural Resources
12 June 2024
Empire Metals Limited
('Empire' or the 'Company')
Exploration Target for the Pitfield Titanium Project
Empire Metals Limited (LON: EEE), the AIM-quoted resource exploration and
development company, is pleased to announce a JORC Exploration Target
('Exploration Target') comprised of two focus areas, the Cosgrove and Thomas
mineral prospects, at the Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia
('Pitfield' or the 'Project'). The generation of an Exploration Target is an
important milestone, and a significant first step towards the development of a
Mineral Resource Estimate.
Highlights
· The total Exploration Target, covering the Thomas and Cosgrove
mineral prospects, is estimated to contain between 26.4 to 32.2 billion tonnes
with a grade range of 4.5 to 5.5% TiO(2)*.
· Included within the total Exploration Target above is a subset that
covers the weathered sandstone zone, which extends from surface to an average
vertical depth of 30m to 40m, and is estimated to contain between 4.0 to 4.9
billion tonnes with a grade range of 4.8 to 5.9% TiO(2)*.
· Snowden Optiro, a leading Australian based, mineral resources
consulting and advisory group, completed the QA/QC and geological modelling
required in order to develop the JORC Exploration Target for the Cosgrove and
Thomas mineral prospects;
· The total Exploration Target covers a combined area of approximately
59km(2), extends down to 150m vertical depth only, and has been constrained at
a 2% TiO(2) cut-off grade;
· The Exploration Target covers an area less than 20% of the overall
mineral system at Pitfield , which has been mapped by a 40km by 8km by 5km
deep magnetics anomaly, supported by other data;
· The total Exploration Target excludes numerous other high-potential
prospects along the 40km strike length, which currently lack sufficient
drillhole data to include in the Exploration Target;
· Additional drilling across the Exploration Target is required and
planned to advance the Exploration Target to a Mineral Resource Estimate.
*The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in
nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource
and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a
Mineral Resource.
Shaun Bunn, Managing Director, said: "I am delighted to announce this very
impressive Exploration Target result, which truly represents an extraordinary
achievement for the Company given it was only just over 12 months ago that we
announced that our maiden drilling had discovered a giant, high-grade,
titanium-rich mineral system. The Exploration Target is an important milestone
and significant first step towards the development of a Mineral Resource
Estimate. Furthermore, it provides the opportunity for comparison with other
existing or emerging projects, not just within the titanium industry but also
on a global mining scale. It is no surprise to us that we are on track to
demonstrate that this giant titanium rich mineral system truly lies within a
class of its own.
"Importantly, the Exploration Target does not include all the zones of
high-grade titanium mineralisation currently identified by the Company outside
of these two key prospects, both along strike and at depth, below the 150m
mark, and which have the potential to significantly increase the overall
titanium endowment of the Project."
Exploration Target
The Exploration Target incorporates the titanium mineralisation hosted within
the interbedded succession of sandstones, siltstones and conglomerates as
defined by the existing wide spaced diamond core and Reverse Circulation
('RC') drilling, that is backed up by geophysical surveys, surface mapping and
soil and rock chip sampling.
Notably, the Exploration Target consists of two, distinct high-grade, near
surface bedded sandstone zones, referred to as the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral
prospects, which extend over an area of 39km(2) and 20km(2) respectively
(Figures 1 and 2). The Exploration Target has been modelled to a vertical
depth of 150m and has been constrained at a 2% TiO(2) cut-off grade.
The estimated range of potential titanium mineralisation forming the combined
Exploration Target is 26.4 to 32.2 billion tonnes grading at 4.5 to 5.5%
TiO(2).
The Exploration Target has been subdivided to show the potential
mineralisation and each mineral prospect separately. It has been further
subdivided to show the range of potential mineralisation within the weathered
sandstone zone separately, which is enriched in titanium dioxide minerals
(rutile and anatase) and extends from surface to an average depth of
approximately 30m to 40m (Table 1).
Table 1. JORC Exploration Target Details
Mineral Prospect Tonnes Range (Mt) Grade Range (TiO(2)%)
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
Cosgrove - Weathered 2,427 2,967 4.9 6.0
Cosgrove - Fresh Bedrock 14,880 18,187 4.3 5.3
Sub-Total Cosgrove 17,308 21,154 4.4 5.4
Thomas - Weathered 1,600 1,955 4.8 5.8
Thomas - Fresh Bedrock 7,478 9,140 4.5 5.5
Sub-Total Thomas 9,078 11,095 4.6 5.6
Sub-Total - Weathered 4,027 4,922 4.8 5.9
Sub-Total - Fresh Bedrock 22,359 27,327 4.4 5.4
Total Exploration Target 26,386 32,249 4.5 5.5
Summary of Relevant Exploration Data
The Exploration Target is based on the interpretation of the following geology
and mineralisation data that have been collated as of the date of this
announcement, (which includes previously reported Exploration Results, and
information in this report that relates to previously reported Exploration
Results has been crossed-referenced in this report to the date that it was
reported to AIM):
· 7 diamond core drill holes completed for 2,025m;
· 101 Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes completed for 15,010m;
· 8,390 drill hole assay results;
· 16 density measurements on diamond drill core;
· 339 surface rock chip sampling assay results;
· detailed surface geological mapping and diamond core geological
logging;
· geophysical datasets including detailed airborne magnetics, airborne
electromagnetics and airborne gravity surveys;
· 17.35 line kilometres of Dipole-Dipole Induced Polarisation ground
surveys: and
· wireframing and 3D modelling of the Cosgrove and Thomas prospects
mineralised orebody.
Figure 1. Cosgrove Mineral Prospect with plan view of Exploration Target
shaded
Figure 2. Thomas Mineral Prospect with plan view of Exploration Target
shaded.
Figure 3. Simplified geological section shown for the Cosgrove Mineral
Prospect, Section 6738620N for DD24COS002 (See Figure 1)
Geology and Mineralisation Style
Pitfield is geologically situated along the western boundary of the Yilgarn
Craton, within the Neoproterozoic Yandanooka Basin which consists mainly of
interbedded siliciclastic sedimentary rocks. Importantly, the Yandanooka
Basin lies near the junction of two major structures, the Darling Fault and
Yandanooka-Cape Riche Lineament, which are believed to have played important
roles in the development and sedimentation of the basin, hydrothermal
alteration of the basin rocks and concentration of titanium mineralisation.
Regional gravity and magnetics surveys, carried out historically by the
Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA), identified strong, extensive
and coincident gravity and magnetics anomalies within the basin but lacked
detail due to the wide line spacing of these historical surveys. The more
detailed airborne magnetics (AM) and airborne electromagnetics (AEM) surveys
undertaken by Empire (announced 21 September 2022) confirmed a field-mapped,
massive alteration footprint within the host sedimentary rocks that was
coincident with the historical gravity anomaly and the new, detailed magnetic
and electromagnetic anomalies extending over a 40km north-south distance
(Figure 4).
Figure 4. Grey-scale magnetics map overlain by airborne gravity survey
results with the location of RC and Diamond Core drillholes and the Cosgrove
and Thomas Exploration Target.
The results of the airborne gravity survey (announced 29 August 2023)
highlighted a high-density, central core broadly associated with the
previously mapped giant iron-titanium associated alteration system at
Pitfield. The high-density core is a regional-scale feature, covering an area
~30km in length and up to 6km wide. The gravity data matches the airborne
magnetics flown by Empire whereby the more magnetic rocks are also located
within the same central core.
Recent Exploration (2023-2024)
In 2023, the Company launched a series of drill campaigns to begin to test the
grade and extent of the giant mineralised system (refer Figure 4).
Empire completed a maiden 21-hole Reverse Circulation ('RC') drill programme
in April 2023, totalling 3,206m, which resulted in the discovery of
titanium-rich mineralisation within the hydrothermally altered sedimentary
rocks. The majority of the maiden drill holes were collared in the northern
portion of the tenements, near Mt Scratch (announced 30 May 2023).
Three deeper diamond drill holes were completed during September-October 2023,
covering targets to the north (Mt Scratch), 30km to the south (Thomas
property) and in the central zone (Cosgrove property). Three diamond core
holes were drilled, for a total of 1,217m, all of which intersected thick,
high-grade TiO(2) mineralised beds of hematite-epidote-carbonate altered
sandstone, down to a vertical depth of 350m, with the bottom of each hole
stopped in mineralisation also hosted by similar sandstone-rich beds
(announced 29 November 2023).
During November-December 2023, Empire conducted a 40-hole RC drill programme
focusing on near surface, high grade targets within the central and southern
portions of the tenements, these targets being up-dip from the high-grade
intersections encountered in the diamond drill holes. This second RC campaign,
totalling a combined 5,718m, confirmed that shallow sandstone-rich beds hosted
the higher-grade TiO(2) mineralisation, and are continuous with the deeper
high-grade diamond drillhole intersections (announced 22 January 2024).
The latest drill program at Pitfield was completed in late March, and
consisted of 40 RC drillholes totalling 6,086m, and four diamond core
drillholes totalling 807m. The RC drillholes ranged between a downhole depth
of 148m to 154m, whilst the diamond holes were all drilled to a downhole depth
of 202m. Excellent core recovery was achieved from the diamond drilling,
commencing from surface to the end of the hole (announced 15 May 2024 and 28
May 2024).
Methodology to Determine the Grade and Tonnage Range for the Exploration
Target
Snowden Optiro, a leading Australian based, mineral resources consulting and
advisory group, completed the QA/QC and geological modelling required in order
to develop the JORC Exploration Target for the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral
prospects.
Preparation of the Exploration Target involved the integration of multiple
datasets, providing differing levels of confidence. Accordingly, different
techniques have been used to calculate the volume, tonnage and grade estimates
of the mineralisation, appropriate to different types of information
available.
Volume (Tonnage) Estimates
Volume estimates were calculated using the drillhole data from RC and diamond
drilling generated over the three drilling programmes. Due to the homogeneous
and continuous nature of the mineralisation throughout Pitfield a spacing of
up to 1km between drill lines and up to 600m between holes is justified.
Wireframing of grade shells and geology was carried out in Leapfrog.
Surface mapping and extensive rock chip sampling has provided a more detailed
understanding of the geology and extents of the mineralisation. It has also
led to a better understanding of the nature of the strongly weathered zone
that acts as a surficial cap across the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral prospects
and more broadly the overall mineral system as outlined by the magnetics
anomaly. However, the Exploration Target has primarily been generated based on
the drill data over the three drilling programmes.
Density
Density measurements were taken on core from four diamond holes, two at the
Cosgrove Prospect and two at the Thomas Prospect. A total of 16 density
samples were collected at various depths downhole from the shallower, strongly
weathered zone and from the fresh bedrock zone below.
Density has been estimated at 2.23 g/cm3 for the weathered zone sandstone
and 3.10 g/cm3 for the fresh bedrock sandstone.
TiO(2) Grade Estimates
Grades of TiO(2) were determined by Intertek Minerals using a four acid
digestion followed by an ICP OES instrumental analytical technique for over
range (>2% TiO(2)).
A range of the TiO(2) grade was calculated based on all assay results from
drilling within the modelled bodies of mineralisation for both Cosgrove and
Thomas Prospects, generally with a cut-off grade of 2% TiO(2), resulting in an
average grade in the range of 4.5 - 5.5% TiO(2).
Analysis of the assay data within the Exploration Target areas highlighted
that 2% TiO(2) was a natural and appropriate cut-off grade to be used in the
estimation.
Depth and Area
The Exploration Target has been modelled to a vertical depth of 150m based on
the final depths of the majority of the RC and Diamond holes drilled with the
target area.
Steeply ENE-dipping mineralised beds at both the Cosgrove and Thomas prospects
are open at depth, as all holes drilled ended in mineralisation, as well as
along strike to both the north and south of both prospect areas. The
thickness of the bedded mineralisation can also be considered open as drilling
across the mineralised zone has not closed this off. Any increase in the
Exploration Target outside the current modelled areas would need to be
supported by additional drilling and grade analysis.
Variance
The variance used within the Exploration Target results is based on the
geological mapping and consequent interpretation of host geology, rock chip
sampling, drill data and 3D modelling methodology used to define the
Exploration Target. As the mineralisation and geology is extremely consistent
and continuous across the project area drilled to date, it is possible to
apply a variance to the modelled tonnes and grade for each the weathered zone,
and the fresh bedrock zone and, in addition, to their combination.
Pathway to a Mineral Resource Estimate
The proposed exploration activities designed to test and to move from an
Exploration Target to a Mineral Resource Estimate will comprise the following
activities:
RC and Diamond Core Drilling Campaigns
Exploration and resource definition drilling is planned to continue at the
Project, with diamond core and RC rigs planned to operate later in 2024 and
early 2025 to complete the drill-out within the Exploration Target and upgrade
the mineralisation to JORC Mineral Resource status.
Landowner and Aboriginal Heritage Clearance
Access agreements have previously been negotiated with the various landowners
whose properties are impacted by the Exploration Target area.
Aboriginal Heritage surveys are also required to gain access to the
Exploration Target areas and these are conducted on an ongoing basis with
representatives of the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (ILUA: Yamatji
Nation Agreement WI2020/002). The Company obtains clearance for each drill
campaign, as such further Heritage Monitoring and/or Surveys are planned as
part of continued exploration activities within the Exploration Target areas.
Approvals
Approvals of Programs of Work required for exploration drilling to evaluate
the Exploration Target, have been obtained, however these approvals will
require updating to support future drill holes on closer spacing to continue
to advance the Exploration Target towards a Mineral Resource Estimate.
Exploration Licences
The Exploration Target areas are located within granted Exploration Licences
E70/5876 and E70/5465. The Company also holds adjacent Exploration Licences
E70/6320 and E70/6323. No further Exploration Licences are required to be
granted.
Metallurgical test work
Mineralogical and metallurgical studies are underway on bulk metallurgical
samples, collected from the diamond core recovered from DD23TOM001 and
DD24COS002. The bulk samples are representative of the fresh bedded sandstone
hosted mineralisation and the near-surface, strongly weathered zone of
mineralisation. This testwork programme will include ore characterisation as
well as testing of various unit processes for mineral separation and titanium
extraction from the minerals.
Mineral Resource Estimate
The Company will engage a suitably qualified professional consultant to assist
with the completion of a Mineral Resource Estimate. The consultant will be
responsible for preparation of the Mineral Resource Estimate, consistent with
the requirements of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2012 (the "JORC Code") or the JORC
Code that is in effect as at the date of publication of the Mineral Resource
Estimate.
The Pitfield Project
Located within the Mid-West region of Western Australia, near the northern
wheatbelt town of Three Springs, Pitfield lies 313km north of Perth and 156km
south of Geraldton, the Mid West region's capital and major port. Western
Australia is ranked as one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world
according to the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index published
in 2023, and has mining-friendly policies, stable government, transparency,
and advanced technology expertise. Pitfield has existing connections to port
(both road & rail), HV power substations, and is nearby to natural gas
pipelines as well as a green energy hydrogen fuel hub, which is under planning
and development (refer Figure 6).
Figure 6. Pitfield Project Location showing the Mid-West Region Infrastructure
and Services.
Competent Person Statement
The technical information in this report that relates to the Exploration
Target for the Pitfield Project has been compiled by Mr Andrew Faragher, an
employee of Eclipse Exploration Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire.
Mr Faragher is a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Mr Faragher has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of
mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity
being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012
Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results,
Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr Faragher assumes responsibility for
matters related to Section 1 and Section 2 of the appended JORC Table 1. Mr
Faragher consents to the inclusion in this release of the matters based on his
information in the form and context in which it appears.
Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure
Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed
inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No
596/2014, as incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act
2018, until the release of this announcement.
**ENDS**
For further information please visit www.empiremetals.co.uk
(http://www.empiremetals.co.uk) or contact:
Empire Metals Ltd
Shaun Bunn / Greg Kuenzel / Arabella Burwell Tel: 020 4583 1440
S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nomad & Broker) Tel: 020 3470 0470
Ewan Leggat / Adam Cowl / Kasia Brzozowska
Shard Capital Partners LLP (Joint Broker) Tel: 020 7186 9950
Damon Heath
St Brides Partners Ltd (Financial Tel: 020 7236 1177
PR)
Susie Geliher / Charlotte Page
About Empire Metals Limited
Empire Metals is an AIM-listed (LON: EEE) exploration and resource development
company with a project portfolio comprising copper, titanium and gold
interests in Australia and Austria.
The Company's strategy is to develop a pipeline of projects at different
stages in the development curve. Its current focus is on the Pitfield Project
in Western Australia, which has demonstrated to contain a newly recognised
giant titanium-rich mineral system that hosts a globally significant titanium
discovery.
The Company also has two further exploration projects in Australia; the
Eclipse Project and the Walton Project in Western Australia, in addition to
three precious metals projects located in a historically high-grade gold
producing region of Austria.
JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Sampling techniques · Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or · Reverse circulation samples were collected directly from an RC drill
specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the using a cone splitter at 2m intervals.
minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF
instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad · Diamond core samples were taken from the diamond core (PQ, HQ and NQ)
meaning of sampling. that was sawn in half and then one half cut for assay samples and
metallurgical samples. Samples were taken based on the geological logging of
· Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity the drill holes.
and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used.
· Sample preparation was undertaken at Intertek Minerals laboratory in
· Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to Maddington WA, where the samples received were sorted and dried. Primary
the Public Report. preparation for diamond core samples, crush each sample in its entirety to
3mm. RC samples were primarily crushed to 3mm. Larger volume samples (>5kg)
· In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be were split with a riffle splitter. All samples were pulverised via robotic
relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m pulveriser. Internal screen sizing QAQC is done at 90% passing 75um. A 4-acid
samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire digest was used and samples were analysed by ICPMS for 48 elements.
assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there
is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or · Assay values over 2% Ti were re-assayed for elevated Ti using 4-acid
mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed digest and ICP OES
information.
· The techniques are considered a total digest for all relevant
minerals.
Drilling techniques · Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary · Diamond drilling techniques varied dependent on which phase of
air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or drilling, during phase 2 rock rollers were used at the top of hole until
standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, competent rock intersected and HQ sized core was drilled (63.5mm diameter) to
whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc). a depth of approximately 100m and then NQ2 sized core was drilled (50.6mm
diameter) to the bottom of the hole.
· Drilling in Phase 2 employed PQ size core (83mm diameter) from
surface to obtain core for geological, geochemical and metallurgical samples,
Once PQ core hit competent bedrock HQ size core was drilled to the bottom of
the hole.
· Where reverse circulation drilling techniques were employed holes
were drilled from surface using a nominal 140mm face sampling RC drill bit.
Drill sample recovery · Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and · Diamond core was reconstructed into continuous runs. Depths were
results assessed. measured from the core barrel and checked against marked depths on the core
blocks. Core recoveries are very high with >95% of the drill core having
· Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative recoveries of >99%
nature of the samples.
· RC sample quality was monitored by the onsite geologist. The sampling
· Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and methodology from the rig was consistent throughout the drilling program.
whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
fine/coarse material. · Overall high drill sample recoveries limit the potential to introduce
any sample bias. No known sample bias is thought to be associated with the
drill sample recovery.
Logging · Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and · Detailed diamond drill core logging was carried out, recording
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral weathering, lithology, alteration, mineralisation, structure, mineralogy.
Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Drill core logging is qualitative. Drill core was photographed, wet and dry in
core trays prior to sampling. Core from the entire drill hole was logged.
· Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or
costean, channel, etc) photography. · Detailed RC drill chip logging of each entire drill hole was carried
out, recording weathering, lithology, alteration, veining, mineralisation and
· The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. mineralogy. RC logging is qualitative. RC chips were collected in chip trays.
· Rock chips were collected as part of a detailed surface geological
mapping program. Qualitative field logging of the rocks is completed in the
field including assessment of weathering, lithology, alteration, veining,
mineralisation and mineralogy.
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation · If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core · Diamond core samples are taken from diamond drill core (PQ, HQ or
taken. NQ2) that is sawn into halves and one half into quarters. Sample intervals are
determined according to the geology logged in the drill holes.
· If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and
whether sampled wet or dry. · Reverse Circulation samples were collected directly from an RC drill
rig using a cone splitter at 2m intervals. A split of each interval was
· For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sampled directly into a calico sample bag.
sample preparation technique.
· Rock chips were collected from outcrops. Field geologists selected
· Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to samples that best represented the geology of the deposit.
maximise representivity of samples.
· Sample preparation was undertaken at Intertek Minerals laboratory in
· Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the Maddington, where the samples received were sorted and dried. Primary
in situ material collected, including for instance results for field preparation for diamond core samples crushes each sample in its entirety to
duplicate/second-half sampling. 3mm. RC samples were primarily crushed to 3mm. Larger samples (>5kg) were
split with a riffle splitter and all samples were pulverised via robotic
· Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the pulveriser. Internal screen sizing QAQC is done at 90% passing 75um. A 4-acid
material being sampled. digest was used and samples were analysed by ICPMS for 48 elements.
· Assay values over 2% Ti were re-assayed for elevated Ti using 4-acid
digest and ICP OES
· The techniques are considered a total digest for all relevant
minerals.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests · The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and · Diamond core and RC samples underwent sample preparation at Intertek
laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or Minerals laboratory in Maddington WA.
total.
· A 4-acid digest was used and samples were analysed by ICPMS for 48
· For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, elements.
the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and
model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. · Assay values over 2% Ti were re-assayed for elevated Ti using 4-acid
digest and ICP OES
· Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks,
duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of · The techniques are considered a total digest for all relevant
accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. minerals.
· Certified analytical standards were inserted every 25 samples for
diamond and RC samples. 4 duplicates were inserted every 100 samples for RC
samples. All QAQC samples display results within acceptable levels of accuracy
and precision.
Verification of sampling and assaying · The verification of significant intersections by either independent · Senior technical personnel from the Company (Exploration Manager)
or alternative company personnel. logged and verified significant intersections.
· The use of twinned holes. · Primary data was collected by employees and contractors at the
project site. All measurements and observations were recorded digitally and
· Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data entered into the Company's database. Data verification and validation is
verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. checked upon entry into the database.
· Discuss any adjustment to assay data. · Digital data storage is managed by the company at its offices in
Perth.
· No adjustments or calibrations have been made to any assay data.
Location of data points · Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar · Drill hole collar locations are surveyed using handheld GPS with the
and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in expected relative accuracy of 4m for easting, northing, and elevation
Mineral Resource estimation. coordinates. Collar locations are recorded in the database.
· Specification of the grid system used. · The grid system used is GDA94.
· Quality and adequacy of topographic control. · Downhole surveys were completed every 30 m a Reflex Ez-GyroN after
completion of drilling. Downhole azimuth and dip data is recorded in the
database.
· Rock chip sample locations are determined by handheld GPS with and
accuracy of approximately 4m.
Data spacing and distribution · Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. · This release reports on drill holes which are not considered
sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity
· Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish appropriate for a Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation.
the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral
Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. · Rock chip sample spacing has been determined solely by geological
mapping and no grade continuity is implied.
· Whether sample compositing has been applied.
· No sample compositing has been applied to reported exploration
results
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure · Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of · The orientation of the drilling is not considered to have introduced
possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the sampling bias due to the highly homogeneous nature of the deposit.
deposit type.
· If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the
orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.
Sample security · The measures taken to ensure sample security. · Diamond core samples were collected and placed in calico sample bags
pre-printed with a unique sample ID at Empire Metals core facility in Three
Springs. Calico bags were placed in a poly weave bag and cabled tied closed at
the top.
· RC samples were collected directly from the drill rig in calico
sample bags which are pre-printed with a unique sample number. Calico bags
were placed in a poly weave bag and cabled-tied closed at the top. Poly weave
bags were transported back to Empire Metals core facility in Three Springs and
stored there before transport to Perth.
· Rock chip samples were placed in numbered calico bags which were
placed in a poly weave bag and cabled tied closed at the top. Poly weave bags
were transported back to Empire Metals core facility in Three Springs and
stored there before transport to Perth.
· Poly weave sample bags were transported to Intertek Minerals,
Maddington WA. Samples were shipped using Empire vehicles or using transport
haulage from Geraldton for larger sample dispatches.
Audits or reviews · The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. · No audits or reviews have been conducted in relation to the current
drilling program.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
Criteria JORC Code explanation Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status · Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including · Exploration Licences E70/5465, E70/5876, E70/6320 and E70/6323 are
agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, held in a Joint Venture between Eclipse Exploration Pty Ltd (70%) a wholly
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, owned subsidiary of Empire Metals Ltd and Century Minerals Pty Ltd (30%).
wilderness or national park and environmental settings.
· The project is centred 310km north of Perth and 150km southeast of
· The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with Geraldton, WA. The tenement area is approximately 1,000km(2) in area.
any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.
· Native flora assessments using the WA Governments Department of
Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions flora database were completed to
identify priority flora species that should be avoided when carrying out
exploration.
· There are 2 nature reserves within the tenement package totalling 37
km(2).
· The tenements sit within the Yamatji Southern Corporation determined
land area. There are only 2 registered sites within the main areas of
interest.
· The tenements are kept in good standing with all regulatory approvals
having been met. There are no known impediments to operate in the area
Exploration done by other parties · Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other · Between the years 1966-1993 Kennecott, Carpentaria (MIM), BHP and CRA
parties. explored for sediment hosted copper deposits in the Pitfield Project area.
· Kennecott (1966) completed surface geochemistry and drilled 10
diamond holes in the vicinity of Baxter's which intersected strongly anomalous
copper just outside the Pitfield licence.
· Carpentaria Exploration (MIM) in early 1980's, again focussed their
exploration work close the Baxter's mine and adjacent areas towards Arrino,
and completed 460 shallow RAB holes over or immediately adjacent to the
current Pitfield licence to the SSE of Baxter's. Carpentaria identified
maximum copper values exceeding 1000ppm, with a further 44 holes exceeding
500ppm copper. The work defined a clear 2,500m NNW-SSE copper anomalous trend
partly on the Pitfield licence and open to the south and east.
· Carpentaria drilled 4 diamond holes which returned strongly anomalous
copper including in DH3a, the only hole collared on Pitfield, which returned
numerous values exceeding 500ppm up to 1280 ppm Cu with fracture controlled
and disseminated native copper and chalcopyrite observed.
· BHP (1984) completed shallow RAB and 4 stratigraphic diamond holes
successfully testing the western contact of the Yandanooka basin with basement
Mullingarra gneiss. BHP failed to intersect any significant metal anomalism.
In addition, BHP completed several lines of IP geophysics over the drilled
area.
· CRA (1993) completed soil sampling, auger sampling building on the
work of Carpentaria and 2 diamond holes, the southern hole being located on
the Pitfield licence recording moderate copper anomalism with a maximum value
of 570ppm (4m composite samples of chipped drill core) associated with
fracture-controlled malachite and minor native copper. The auger work defined
a significant Cu anomaly (plus Ag) over some 7km strike length.
· No other significant exploration happened between 1993 and 2022.
Geology · Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. · This is a globally unique stratabound sediment hosted hydrothermally
altered titanium deposit. The titanium mineralisation is found within the
sediments of the Yandanooka Basin which is located about 350km northeast of
Perth. The basin margin in the west is the Mullingarra Complex and in the
east the Darling Range, it is interpreted to be Neoproterozoic in age.
· The basin fill comprises of coarse to fine grained sandstones,
conglomerates and siltstones with the basin interpreted to be 9km thick. The
basin is inverted with beds dipping 45-55º to the southeast, no major
faulting is evident in the basin from mapping.
· The titanium mineralisation is associated predominantly with titanite
and minor ilmenite. The mineralisation is associated with a hydrothermal
event that altered the host sediments and produced an alteration assemblage
dominated by titanite, epidote, carbonate and chlorite. The rocks have
undergone another later hydrothermal event which has brought in significant
hematite.
· The mineralisation is completely stratabound and the best
mineralisation is found within the coarser sandstones due to the increase in
pore space and incipient permeability.
Drill hole Information · A summary of all information material to the understanding of the Hole_ID Easting Northing RL Total Depth Dip Azimuth
exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for DD23COS001 370715 6738050 320 400.4 -61.94 236.02
all Material drill holes: DD23MTS001 368985 6753785 280 408.4 -60.18 252.92
DD23TOM001 373435 6726485 280 408.5 -60.57 268.41
o easting and northing of the drill hole collar DD24COS002 369845 6738623 303 201.9 -60.12 270.9
DD24COS003 369670 6739127 296 201.8 -60.14 270.46
o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the DD24TOM002 374175 6727216 299 201.8 -60.21 269.55
drill hole collar DD24TOM003 373307 6726036 281 201.8 -60.96 270.55
RC23COS001 372060 6739000 325 22 -60 270
o dip and azimuth of the hole RC23COS002 373243 6737708 303 96 -61.48 271.49
RC23COS003 373811 6737631 301 70 -60 270
o down hole length and interception depth RC23COS004 369441 6738618 299 154 -59.52 268.86
RC23COS005 369728 6738815 289 154 -60 270
o hole length. RC23COS006 370118 6738850 298 154 -60 270
RC23COS007 370383 6738869 301 154 -59.73 268.18
· If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that RC23COS008 371179 6737957 332 154 -60.74 269.5
the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the RC23COS009 369647 6737881 322 154 -59.59 271.01
understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why RC23COS010 369799 6737456 320 154 -60 270
this is the case. RC23COS011 370389 6738005 333 154 -60 270
RC23COS012 372065 6738992 326 154 -60 270
RC23COS013 371359 6741021 315 148 -60.38 273.64
RC23COS014 372200 6741309 314 148 -60.36 273.34
RC23KAD001 371365 6731838 350 148 -60.7 271.4
RC23KAD002 371769 6731707 337 148 -60.26 273.44
RC23KAD003 372356 6731701 322 118 -59.39 275.26
RC23KAD004 372207 6728859 311 148 -60.63 270.47
RC23KAD005 371765 6728857 323 148 -62.04 268.05
RC23KAD006 371390 6728854 318 148 -60 270
RC23KAD007 372287 6730504 333 148 -60.56 273.27
RC23KAD008 371949 6730455 345 148 -60.65 270.89
RC23MTS001 368855 6753764 283 196 -60.86 268
RC23MTS002 368937 6753793 284 178 -61.58 268.35
RC23MTS003 369019 6753803 275 178 -61.75 272.52
RC23MTS004 368623 6753800 274 178 -60.58 270.9
RC23MTS005 368701 6753801 281 156 -61.62 271.49
RC23MTS006 368783 6753802 287 160 -61.85 268.82
RC23MTS007 368913 6753741 282 154 -61.27 47.26
RC23MTS008 368959 6753592 278 148 -61.54 269.82
RC23MTS009 368711 6753997 272 154 -59.58 273.42
RC23MTS010 368331 6753802 271 154 -60.77 270.3
RC23MTS011 368400 6753798 263 154 -59.91 271.97
RC23MTS012 368354 6752912 287 154 -59.55 268.7
RC23MTS013 368799 6752250 320 154 -60 274.67
RC23MTS014 368887 6752250 316 154 -60.93 273.61
RC23MTS015 369231 6752250 308 154 -61.12 273.57
RC23MTS016 368920 6751602 311 154 -58.82 270.67
RC23MTS017 369233 6751605 310 154 -61.1 271.41
RC23MTS018 369401 6751606 305 154 -59.87 272.97
RC23MTS019 369944 6750567 300 148 -60.12 268.89
RC23MTS020 369236 6750117 324 148 -61.48 267.67
RC23MTS021 369778 6750448 307 66 -60.66 248.11
RC23MTS022 369749 6750443 308 76 -61.56 244.16
RC23MUT001 371650 6746200 307 148 -61.42 277.25
RC23MUT002 370884 6743806 344 148 -60.72 271.65
RC23MUT003 371587 6743854 333 148 -60.42 272.97
RC23MUT004 372239 6744133 317 142 -60.48 271.8
RC23MUT005 371649 6745401 296 148 -60.47 267.28
RC23MUT006 371127 6746202 320 128 -60.82 273.9
RC23TOM001 373440 6726500 280 148 -61.32 270.328
RC23TOM002 373214 6726484 278 180 -55 270
RC23TOM003 373070 6726937 293 180 -55 270
RC23TOM004 373836 6726664 281 154 -60 270
RC23TOM005 374171 6727169 288 154 -60 270
RC23TOM006 374700 6726657 276 154 -60 270
RC23TOM007 374310 6726651 276 154 -60 270
RC23TOM008 374675 6727103 274 154 -60 270
RC23TOM009 374944 6725415 266 142 -60 270
RC23TOM010 374715 6725386 271 148 -60 270
RC23TOM011 373691 6725855 272 144 -61.26 274.81
RC24COS015 369852 6740326 340 148 -72.08 272.89
RC24COS016 370095 6739746 333 148 -71.32 270.64
RC24COS017 369812 6739643 322 148 -69.03 269.01
RC24COS018 369445 6739556 317 148 -69.69 273.41
RC24COS019 369895 6738264 316 148 -69.35 269.51
RC24COS020 370258 6738318 312 148 -70.26 270.78
RC24COS021 370629 6738361 285 148 -71 271.42
RC24COS022 370507 6737510 331 148 -70.92 272.52
RC24COS023 371037 6737505 339 148 -70.73 272.04
RC24COS024 370347 6736595 324 148 -70.18 268.86
RC24COS025 371401 6736574 312 148 -70.31 273.11
RC24COS026 370776 6735770 328 150 -70.33 268.54
RC24COS027 371546 6735757 309 150 -70.87 269.49
RC24COS028 371923 6735766 315 154 -70.63 269.22
RC24COS029 373222 6733611 284 154 -70.13 271.5
RC24COS030 372291 6733611 306 154 -70.08 273.81
RC24COS031 371255 6734645 348 154 -71.37 272.12
RC24COS032 371875 6734617 318 154 -71.13 269.95
RC24COS033 373358 6735814 300 154 -70.27 268.97
RC24COS034 372780 6734632 320 154 -69.31 270.47
RC24HYN001 373358 6740408 306 154 -70.19 270.08
RC24TOM012 375491 6720393 300 154 -70.31 271.6
RC24TOM013 374903 6720384 291 154 -70.68 268.91
RC24TOM014 375019 6721403 277 154 -71.88 272.04
RC24TOM015 374195 6722453 288 154 -71.69 270.58
RC24TOM016 374818 6722464 292 154 -71.49 270.64
RC24TOM017 374538 6723753 277 154 -70.07 270.68
RC24TOM018 374090 6723708 286 154 -70.67 268.43
RC24TOM019 374239 6724317 296 154 -70.81 268.42
RC24TOM020 373649 6723472 285 154 -67.81 266.94
RC24TOM021 373699 6724326 308 154 -70.22 270.47
RC24TOM022 373329 6724796 308 154 -70.8 270.9
RC24TOM023 373639 6724978 301 154 -70.05 272.26
RC24TOM024 373512 6725562 289 154 -69.57 268.64
RC24TOM025 374129 6725497 289 154 -79.91 271.8
RC24TOM026 374179 6725039 292 154 -70.4 278.7
RC24TOM027 373785 6727186 293 154 -70.32 269.71
RC24TOM028 373851 6726206 269 154 -71.54 271.42
RC24TOM029 373063 6727257 315 154 -69.9 272.66
RC24TOM030 372871 6727570 314 154 -69.99 88.11
·
Data aggregation methods · In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, · No data aggregation techniques have been applied
maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and
cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
· Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade
results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations
should be shown in detail.
· The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values
should be clearly stated.
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths · These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of · The drilling at Pitfield has intersected TiO(2) mineralisation in
Exploration Results. every hole that has intercepted bedrock and every hole has finished in
mineralisation. The nature of the alteration and mineralisation means that the
· If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole entire core of the basin has been altered and mineralised to an unknown depth.
angle is known, its nature should be reported. Drilling is yet to confirm the width or strike extents of the mineralisation.
· If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there · The true width thickness of the mineralisation cannot be reported as
should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width the extents of the mineralisation are currently unknown after more than 108
not known'). drill holes.
Diagrams · Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of · Please refer to figures within the text and previous Empire Metals
intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported AIM announcements.
These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar
locations and appropriate sectional views.
Balanced reporting · Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not · The Company believes that the AIM announcement is a balanced report
practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or with all material results reported.
widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration
Results.
Other substantive exploration data · Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be · Everything meaningful and material is disclosed in the body of the
reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical report. Geological observations have been factored into the report and can
survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of also be found in previous Empire Metals Ltd AIM announcements
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical
and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
Further work · The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral · Exploration activities will be designed so the Exploration Target can
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). be upgraded to a Mineral Resource Estimate, this will comprise of RC and
Diamond Core Drilling Campaigns within the next 12 months.
· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, · An initial RC drill programme will be carried out on a close spaced
provided this information is not commercially sensitive. N-S and E-W pattern to determine the variography and consequently the drill
spacing required for mineral resource drilling and subsequent modelling
· As the mineralisation is open in all directions, as the extents are
still unknown, there is no need to provide additional diagrams depicting where
the potential extents of mineralisation could be.
·
Data aggregation methods
· In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques,
maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and
cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated.
· Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade
results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such
aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations
should be shown in detail.
· The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values
should be clearly stated.
· No data aggregation techniques have been applied
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths
· These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of
Exploration Results.
· If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole
angle is known, its nature should be reported.
· If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there
should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width
not known').
· The drilling at Pitfield has intersected TiO(2) mineralisation in
every hole that has intercepted bedrock and every hole has finished in
mineralisation. The nature of the alteration and mineralisation means that the
entire core of the basin has been altered and mineralised to an unknown depth.
Drilling is yet to confirm the width or strike extents of the mineralisation.
· The true width thickness of the mineralisation cannot be reported as
the extents of the mineralisation are currently unknown after more than 108
drill holes.
Diagrams
· Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of
intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported
These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar
locations and appropriate sectional views.
· Please refer to figures within the text and previous Empire Metals
AIM announcements.
Balanced reporting
· Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not
practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or
widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration
Results.
· The Company believes that the AIM announcement is a balanced report
with all material results reported.
Other substantive exploration data
· Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be
reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical
survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical
and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
· Everything meaningful and material is disclosed in the body of the
report. Geological observations have been factored into the report and can
also be found in previous Empire Metals Ltd AIM announcements
Further work
· The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral
extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling).
· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,
provided this information is not commercially sensitive.
· Exploration activities will be designed so the Exploration Target can
be upgraded to a Mineral Resource Estimate, this will comprise of RC and
Diamond Core Drilling Campaigns within the next 12 months.
· An initial RC drill programme will be carried out on a close spaced
N-S and E-W pattern to determine the variography and consequently the drill
spacing required for mineral resource drilling and subsequent modelling
· As the mineralisation is open in all directions, as the extents are
still unknown, there is no need to provide additional diagrams depicting where
the potential extents of mineralisation could be.
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