Introduction
Alien Metals Limited (AIM: UFO) is making waves in the minerals exploration and development sector, particularly with its joint venture partner, West Coast Silver Limited (ASX: WCE). Recent announcements from West Coast Silver regarding the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project in Western Australia’s Pilbara region have unveiled encouraging results from their Phase 2 diamond drilling program. This article delves into the latest findings, the significance of the project, and what the future holds for Alien Metals.
Recent Drilling Results
West Coast Silver has reported that out of 13 holes drilled in the Elizabeth Hill Project, nine have shown visible silver mineralization, confirmed by portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis. Belinda Murray, Executive Director of Alien Metals, expressed confidence in the results, stating, “These latest results confirm the presence of additional shallow, high-grade silver and point to a system that extends beyond the historically mined areas.” This reinforces the growth potential of the project, which has a rich history of silver production.
Highlights from the Drilling Program
Visible Silver Mineralization: Nine out of 13 drilled holes have confirmed visible silver mineralization.
Shallow High-Grade Silver: Native silver has been logged above historical mine workings, transitioning to silver-bearing minerals in near-surface intersections.
Deeper Continuity: Deeper holes indicate continuity at depth, suggesting a larger mineral system than previously recognized.
The Elizabeth Hill Project: A Historical Overview
The Elizabeth Hill Project is notable for its historical significance as one of Australia’s highest-grade silver projects. Key highlights include:
High Production Rates: The project produced 1.2 million ounces of silver from just 16,830 tonnes of ore at an impressive head grade of 2,194 g/t (70.5 oz/t Ag).
Historical Mining Operations: Mining operations ceased in 2000 due to low silver prices, but the potential for further exploration remains significant.
Geological Setting: The mineralization is structurally controlled, located at the contact of the ultramafic Munni Munni intrusion and Archaean gneisses and granites, with the Munni Munni Fault playing a crucial role.
Current Exploration Efforts
The exploration strategy has shifted towards a near-mine aircore program targeting extensions of the Elizabeth Hill system. This program aims to explore high-priority targets immediately north and south of the deposit’s surface expression.
Key Observations from Recent Drilling
Native Silver: Observed in five of the latest eight drill holes, confirming the presence of silver mineralization.
Geometric Refinements: The southerly plunging mineralization appears to widen more than expected above the old mine workings.
Sample Dispatch: All samples have been dispatched, with first assay results expected in mid-December and progressively into January.
Future Work Plans
Looking ahead, Alien Metals plans to continue evaluating tenement-wide data sets as part of its ongoing target generation initiatives. The aircore drilling program will further investigate the potential for additional silver deposits in the region.
Laboratory Testing and Assay Results
All drill core from the recent program has been cut, and samples have been dispatched for laboratory analysis. The first analytical results are anticipated in mid-December, with ongoing assessments to follow.
Conclusion
The recent developments at the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project highlight the promising potential of Alien Metals Limited and its joint venture partner, West Coast Silver. With visible silver mineralization confirmed in multiple drill holes and a strategic exploration plan in place, the future looks bright for this project. As the company continues to explore and develop this historically significant site, stakeholders and investors alike will be keenly watching for further updates.
For more information, visit Alien Metals’ official website at www.alienmetals.uk.
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