KEY POINTS
- URU Metals has completed a new 3D geological model to guide drilling at its Zeb nickel project in Limpopo.
- The next programme will target a maiden mineral resource at Zone 2 while testing its down-dip extension.
- Drilling will also test Target 1, a major electromagnetic, gravity and magnetic anomaly considered prospective for magmatic sulphides.
London-listed URU Metals has completed an updated three-dimensional (3D) geological model for its Zeb nickel project in Limpopo, South Africa, paving the way for the company’s next drilling campaign.
The model, developed by Atticus Geoscience Consulting, brings together geological, drilling and geophysical information to identify and prioritise targets across the project.
The work follows the geological and geophysical interpretation and initial Zone 2 mineralisation modelling announced by URU last month.
The updated Leapfrog 3D model combines the project’s existing drill-hole database and geological interpretation with airborne magnetic, gravity and SpectremPlus electromagnetic datasets.
It also incorporates results from recently completed ground frequency-domain electromagnetic and gravity surveys.
Importantly, the model now contains a 3D mineralised envelope representing the known Zone 2 nickel, copper and platinum group elements (PGE) mineralisation identified through existing drill-hole assay results.
URU said this integrated approach has allowed the company to position future drill holes against defined geological volumes rather than relying solely on individual geophysical anomalies.
The modelling supports the interpretation of Zone 2 as a coherent and laterally continuous nickel, copper and PGE-bearing horizon.
The mineralisation is hosted in rocks interpreted to form part of the Critical Zone of the Bushveld Complex, one of the world’s major geological environments for platinum group elements and associated base metals.
According to the model, the Zone 2 mineralised envelope corresponds spatially with the interpreted Critical Zone geology and remains open down dip.
URU said apparent gaps in historical Zone 2 drilling may not represent breaks in the mineralised horizon. Instead, several historical drill holes appear to have ended before reaching the target rock units.
The distinction is important because it suggests the mineralisation could be more continuous than the historical drilling database initially indicated.
Drilling to Target Maiden Resource
The upcoming drilling programme has two main objectives. The first is to define a maiden mineral resource for the Zone 2 nickel, copper and PGE mineralisation.
The planned Zone 2 holes will also test whether the mineralisation extends further down dip, potentially increasing the size of the mineralised system.
URU believes this approach will allow the company to pursue resource definition while simultaneously testing the depth potential of the deposit.
The second major objective is to drill-test Target 1, described by URU as the project’s most prominent coincident geophysical anomaly.
Target 1 is defined by an electromagnetic conductor that coincides with gravity and magnetic anomalies.
It lies at an interpreted geological transition where a chonolith opens into a substantially larger intrusive body. URU considers this setting favourable for the accumulation of magmatic sulphides.
The target is also located within the same geological corridor as known semi-massive sulphide intersections encountered in drill holes Z017, Z024 and Z031.
This gives Target 1 additional exploration significance and makes it a priority target for the next campaign. URU is now working towards the start of drilling.
The immediate priorities include finalising the appointment of a drilling contractor, securing land-access agreements and surveying the final drill-collar positions.
Once these steps are completed, the company plans to mobilise the drilling team and begin the programme.
Assay results and updated resource modelling are expected to be released progressively as new data becomes available.
URU exploration manager Richard Montjoie said the new model had brought the project’s geology, drilling and geophysical information together and enabled the company to design a more targeted exploration programme.
Montjoie highlighted the apparent continuity of Zone 2 and the fact that the mineralised horizon remains open down dip as two of the most significant findings from the modelling.
URU CEO John Zorbas said the programme had been prioritised around the maiden resource drilling at Zone 2 and the first drill test of Target 1.
The company believes success at either target could materially improve understanding of the Zeb project, while positive results from both could have a broader impact on the project’s potential valuation and future funding prospects.
