In May 2008, after acquiring its option to purchase, Rox undertook an 8 hole, 2,300 metre drilling program to test zinc-lead mineralisation at the Myrtle prospect.
Significant mineralisation was recorded in 6 of the 8 holes drilled, with wide intersections of zinc-lead at a cut-off grade of 3% Zn+Pb cut-off grade:
MY16: 19 metres grading 4.1% Zn, 1.3% Pb from 179 metres depth
4 metres grading 5.6% Zn, 0.5% Pb from 160 metres depth
4 metres grading 3.0% Zn, 1.1% Pb from 217 metres depth
MY17: 14.25 metres grading 3.2% Zn, 0.8% Pb from 407.75 metres depth
7.46 metres grading 3.5% Zn, 1.5% Pb from 465.00 metres depth
MY19: 12 metres grading 4.0% Zn, 0.6% Pb from 149 metres depth
4 metres grading 4.4% Zn, 0.2% Pb from 163 metres depth
MY20: 8.9 metres grading 5.3% Zn, 1.3% Pb from 363.1 metres depth
7.3 metres grading 4.5% Zn, 0.5% Pb from 338 metres depth
Higher grade intervals are present at a higher (5% Zn+Pb) cut-off over minable thicknesses:
MY16: 4 metres grading 5.6% Zn, 0.5% Pb from 160 metres depth
4 metres grading 4.9% Zn, 1.1% Pb from 180 metres depth
5 metres grading 6.0% Zn, 2.9% Pb from 189 metres depth
MY17: 2.25 metres grading 6.8% Zn, 1.5% Pb from 407.75 metres depth
3.15 metres grading 4.1% Zn, 1.3% Pb from 469.31 metres depth
MY19: 4 metres grading 5.2% Zn, 0.6% Pb from 154 metres depth
MY20: 3.0 metres grading 5.3% Zn, 0.6% Pb from 339.0 metres depth
8.9 metres grading 5.3% Zn, 1.3% Pb from 363.1 metres depth
These and earlier drill holes have now defined a very large mineralised system which stretches over 2km east-west x 1km north-south (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Plan showing drill hole locations, IP and soil anomalies
Importantly, the geological sequence at Myrtle is similar to that found 20km north at the McArthur River deposit; the uppermost unit is the Reward Dolomite, which is underlain by the Barney Creek Formation (which includes the HYC Pyritic Shale and the W-Fold Shale), the footwall unit is the Teena Dolomite.
At Myrtle, and at McArthur River, base-metal (zinc and lead) mineralisation occurs within the HYC Pyritic Shale and the mineral bearing sequence occurs over an extensive area (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Cross Section A - A'
Recent soil sampling has identified several zinc anomalies with the largest having an aggregate strike length of almost 2km in two co-linear zones (Figure 3). It is believed these soil anomalies trace the subcrop of the mineralised zone.
Open pit potential has been demonstrated at Myrtle by near surface RC drill intercepts up dip from MY16:
MYR22: 12 metres grading 3.1% Zn, 1.1% Pb from 59 metres depth
MYR23: 9 metres grading 2.9% Zn, 0.4% Pb from 115 metres depth
The projected subcrop of the mineralised zone is coincident with the soil anomaly which indicates near surface mineralisation in this area. Further drilling to delineate and assess the open pit potential is a high priority.
Figure 3: Extensive soil anomalism over 2km long
Figure 4: Mineralisation comes close to surface
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