Great Western Mining (GWMO ) has completed its maiden drilling programme at the Defender tungsten project in Nevada.
Initial testing by shortwave ultraviolet confirms that multiple holes intersected scheelite bearing skarn across wide intervals.
The programme comprised approximately 2,590 metres of drilling across 23 holes to depths ranging between 300 feet and 600 feet, and targeted skarn-hosted tungsten mineralisation.
A primary objective of the drilling was to link historic workings between the old Defender and Pine Crow mines, across an approximate strike length of around one kilometre.
Geological field logging and shortwave UV inspection of drill cuttings across the programme identified multiple zones of scheelite-bearing skarn at three principal target areas, Defender Hill, Dough God, and Pine Crow.
At Defender Hill drilling intersected 31 metres of continuous skarn from 15 metres to 46 metres depth, with visible scheelite identified throughout the interval.
At Dough God approximately 38 metres of continuous skarn was intersected from surface to 38 metres depth, with abundant visible scheelite observed across the full interval.
At Pine Crow a nine metre interval of continuous skarn was intersected from depths of 35 metres to 44 metres, exhibiting intense scheelite.
These subsurface intercepts appear consistent with results from recent surface channel sampling and reinforce a coherent picture of tungsten mineralisation extending from surface to depth across the project area.
Samples have been dispatched to an accredited laboratory for assay, and the results will be used to generate a maiden mineral resource for Defender.
“Completing our first drilling campaign at the Defender Tungsten Project marks a major step forward for GWM,” said Great Western’s chief executive Ed Loye.
“Intersecting multiple zones of scheelite-bearing skarn across several targets is highly encouraging and validates our geological model for the district. The presence of scheelite over broad intervals is very encouraging ahead of assay results. Importantly, the subsurface skarn zones we have now drill-tested complement the positive results from our recent surface channel sampling, giving us a coherent picture of mineralisation from surface to depth."
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Good to see the drilling wrapped up, and that the early signs are positive. To be sure, testing with ultraviolet isn’t the same as receiving back full assay results, but it does indicated, nevertheless, that the company is on the right track. Hopefully we won’t have to wait too long for the full assays, or indeed the much anticipated maiden mineral resource. In the meantime, the tungsten price remains strong, and Great Western’s position appears to be strengthening.