Marmota Limited (ASX:MEU) has officially commenced its drilling program at the Muckanippie Heavy Minerals Titanium discovery, following a series of impressive Heavy Mineral assay results from all discovery holes at the site.
This marks a significant advancement in the development of the project.
The planned drilling program consists of 89 Aircore (AC) drill holes, which may be subject to adjustments as the project progresses.
Each hole is expected to reach an average depth of approximately 30 metres, focusing on titanium-bearing mineral sands located near the surface.
The exploration team has already mobilised to establish a base camp at Aurora Tank, close to the Muckanippie site, with drilling supplies en route.
Drilling operations are set to begin next week and are anticipated to conclude by the end of January 2025.
The Muckanippie discovery has yielded remarkable Heavy Mineral (HM) concentrate grades across all discovery holes.
Notable results include:
- WI-081: 28 metres at 19.2% HM from surface, including 4 metres at 22.2% HM.
- WI-080: 36 metres at 13.5% HM from surface, including 4 metres at 27.8% HM.
- WI-079: 39 metres at 13.2% HM from surface, including 4 metres at 26.0% HM.
- WI-078: 24 metres at 13.5% HM from surface, including 4 metres at 21.3% HM.
Additionally, a newly identified regional-scale palaeochannel spans approximately 28 kilometres across Marmota’s tenements, with widths reaching up to five kilometres.
This discovery is strategically significant due to the growing global demand for titanium, which is crucial for various applications including energy storage, defence, semiconductors, and medical technology.
Dr Colin Rose, Executive Chairman of Marmota, stated: “Marmota announced just two days ago HM assays featuring bonanza grades in every discovery hole.
“Those assays confirm Marmota’s discovery at Muckanippie as a highly significant new Heavy Mineral sands discovery.
“Marmota is progressing with full speed a major follow-up drill program to rapidly advance, grow and develop this outstanding titanium Heavy Mineral discovery.”
The Muckanippie site is strategically located adjacent to major transport and infrastructure routes, including the Adelaide to Darwin rail line and the Adelaide to Perth rail line, facilitating easier access for future operations.
