If the collars are as shown then these 9 extensional holes are drilled from collars where there are already completed holes at -60 dip testing the down dip extension of ironstone.
Some options with this section probably a template for what may have been drilled on each line with local variations..
Since this was termed extensional drilling I doubt the -55 option would be chosen = infill which may be necessary to take the resource from inferred to indicated but unlikely for current purpose.
With the mineral zone defined here a sub vertical hole would test the body's extension some 50m down dip. How deep depends on the dip of mineralisation which can be from 30 degrees East to sub vertical as shown on this early plan view.
Interesting no extensional drilling where mineralisation is interpreted to be steep.
Rate of drilling has been good if 7 holes drilled in the 120+m range. deeper if vertical.
Why drill these now?
Looks like they will give a depth below surface of around 120m vs the 90-100 previously.
Assay turnaround with a dedicated REE system for DRE may enable results in time for MRE - pushing it though?
At the least it will enable the geological model to be firmed up further down dip.
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To get this good ironstone section to the same scale as the image below the scale bar needs to be reduced to
1mm TOTAL.
The drill hole at Mt Weld MWEX1027D IS 1km plus with the assays mostly at the Yin Ironstone at depth but much higher near surface.
Success with carbonatites
can be many orders of magnitude better than ironstones.
WA1 are dealing with niobium enriched intersections rather than %REE's in their first holes.
The market has reacted well to their drilling in a typical wow factor which may or may not be sustained.
Drilling more in the centre of Australia in the middle of summer will be challenging but necessary if the SP momentum is to be maintained.
DRE needs to make an equally impressive announcement about the C1-5 drilling IMO.
Just finding carbonatites was a good first step. However, it will be grades over significant intervals that will kick the SP along IMO. The first 10 holes had two possible standouts but looking at the Mt Weld assay table above they are up against a rather daunting example of what makes a world class deposit.
DT has consistently said the drill pattern is designed to tickle the tiger. Patience there are lots more assays in the pipeline and a busy 2023.
Would a Yin MRE in the range suggested by Cannacord (c20Mt 1+%) be greeted by SP enthusiasm or is it already factored in around this level?
(20min delay)