Irrida Hill Nickel

Irrida Hill and Irrida East prospects (E09/2302, E09/2351)

The Irrida Hill prospect has been interpreted as a potential nickel-copper intrusive target. This interpretation is based on a strong, discrete magnetic low associated with remanent magnetism at a structural intersection. Previous shallow drilling by Western Mining and later by Aurora Minerals to the north and south of Irrida returned anomalous nickel and copper hosted within ultramafic units (WAMEX reports A105819 and A8056).

Desert Metals undertook a moving loop electromagnetic (MLEM) survey over the remanent magnetic feature at Irrida. The survey identified several anomalies on initial 400 m spaced lines and subsequent 200 m spaced infill lines. Such anomalies indicate the presence of conductive material which could be nickel sulphide mineralisation, barren (iron) sulphides, graphite bearing rock, or even hypersaline groundwater. Modelling of the data by Fathom Geophysics has identified several discrete, highly conductive elongate bodies striking north-south with semi vertical dips. The bodies have a vertical extent of several hundred metres and a strike length of greater than 1,200 m. The up-dip and up-plunge tip of this body commences at a depth of ~50 m below surface and deepens to the south. These anomalies stand out clearly from the background, and the observed response profiles fit very well with the theoretical responses, and have resulted in a number of drill targets which will be tested as soon as environmental and heritages clearances are obtained.