Junior nickel explorer Legend Mining has received positive processed modelling results from a 3D seismic survey carried out over a 6.5 square kilometre area of its Mawson prospect within the Rockford nickel project in the Fraser Range of Western Australia. The survey was undertaken by HiSeis and has shown a clear seismic signature of the Mawson discovery zone that looks to have a repeated offset position below the main target area.
The survey was designed to help Legend achieve a better grasp of the underground architecture of the Mawson intrusion in relation to the stratigraphic package of rocks surrounding it. Given the shallow nature of mineralisation at less than 250m depth at Mawson, a second, more detailed survey was also undertaken on the western side of the target area that tested for direct detection signatures of nickel-cobalt-copper sulphide accumulations.
Results taken from the recent seismic model was compared to existing gravity inversion data and showed an excellent correlation according to the company. With both information sources combined, Legend now has a greater confidence that the Mawson intrusive source continues below current maximum drill depths.
New interpretations now show the intrusive body to extend 500m below the Mawson fault with possible depths of 800m to 1,000m supported by results from two diamond drill holes.
Legend is working together with a range of consultants from Terra Resources, MIRA Geoscience and HiSeis to conduct an intensive review of existing geophysical, geochemical and structural datasets. Interrogation of the available datasets has already identified multiple new drill targets for an April start to the 2022 field season at Mawson.
A 3D ‘seismic cube’ was created from the recent seismic survey that Legend now plans to blend into its other modelling datasets using completed drilling, geophysics, geochemistry and existing 3D modelling. The new detail filled model is expected to assist in planning. Additionally statuary approval applications for further drilling and ground disturbance have been submitted.
The Fraser Range area houses some big-time players with the IGO Limited owned Nova Bollinger nickel and copper mine that houses a 14.3 million tonne resource grading a solid 2.3 per cent nickel and 0.9 per cent copper located 120 kilometres away.
According to Legend, the Nova discovery was also defined using 3D seismic applications.
Legend Mining’s Managing Director, Mark Wilson said: “The structural detail of the Mawson intrusion that this survey has delivered is outstanding.”
“These will be priority diamond drill targets when diamond drilling recommences in a couple of weeks’ time.”
Legend’s recent targeting successes come at an opportune time with nickel prices recently rallying from under US$25,000 per tonne in February to current prices of over US$42,000 per tonne of nickel.
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By Matt Birney
