Commenting on the drilling progress, Heron’s Managing Director, Mr Wayne Taylor said: ”The sulphide intercept and interpreted geology is a very exciting development at Currawang as we are seeing direct evidence of a broader mineralised system than previously contemplated. In addition to the drilling results we anticipate receiving from the next two holes, the drilling campaign is designed to establish an expansive platform for down-hole electromagnetic modelling (DHEM), providing geophysical targeting well beyond the strike-length of the known mineralised occurrence. While still at early stages, we are looking forward to completing the program to establish the next phase of work at what could be the next chapter to Woodlawn’s growth.“
Currawang Prospect
As described in the release dated 31 July 2017, a program of four holes for 2,150m is underway at Currawang with two holes for 1,166m completed. The program is targeting potential extensions to, as well as possible new lenses, associated with high-grade volcanic massive sulphide (VMS) mineralisation that was previously mined (approximately 0.5Mt) in the mid- 1990’s; this is the first drilling program at Currawang since 1996.
The first hole (CWDD0001) targeted the along-strike extension to the north of the main Currawang Lens in an area of limited historic drilling. This hole intersected a broad interval (38m, from 341m down-hole) of moderate to intense sericite, silica, pyrite, and chlorite alteration within a strongly foliated, and in-part, brecciated basalt (the Currawang Basalt). Within this interval is 16m of intense alteration and minor stringers of zinc sulphides with lesser lead and copper sulphides. These stringers sulphides are analogous to, and represent, the mine horizon; as well, the intensity of the alteration indicates potential proximity to high-grade mineralisation.
The second drill hole (CWDD0002) targeted the down-plunge extension to the main Currawang Lens and intersected 5.3m of 5-10cm stringers and semi-massive zinc sulphide mineralization from 485.7m within a broad zone of alteration hosted by the basalt sequence. Copper sulphides within this zone are probably responsible for the weak, historic DHEM anomaly measured in this area. This hanging-wall zone of mineralisation represents a potential new zone, or lens, of mineralisation at Currawang and subject to receipt of assay results, will warrant follow-up drilling,.
The hole (CWDD0002) continued to a depth of 640m and passed through a broad (50m+) zone of intense chlorite alteration with minor copper-sulphide stringers. Such chlorite zones are typically associated with the feeder zones which lead into, and feed, the main VMS lenses; these alteration zones therefore provide encouragement that stronger grades of mineralisation could be nearby.
Both drill holes are currently being sampled and assays are expected within a few weeks. The holes are being cased with PVC pipe and will be surveyed with DHEM at the completion of the program. The two remaining proposed holes are shown on the long section. The program is part of the NSW Government’s Cooperative Drilling Program with 50% of the direct drilling costs being reimbursable to Heron.