- Exploration follows co-funded drilling success at Andromeda project
- Find opens new search space for base metals
Exploration companies are actively drilling the Fraser Range, north-east of Esperance, following a significant copper-zinc discovery by Independence Group (IGO).
Diamond drilling, at IGO's Andromeda prospect, intersected zinc-bearing sulphides in metasedimentary rocks and opened a new search space for base metals.
The discovery marks a change of focus in the area, which previously concentrated on the mafic rocks where the famous Nova-Bollinger nickel-copper-cobalt deposit is located.
The find was supported by the State Government's Exploration Incentive Scheme's (EIS) co-funded drilling program and pre-competitive geophysical data.
Continuing collaboration between exploration companies, such as IGO and the Creasy Group, with the Geological Survey of Western Australia and Minerals Research Institute of WA has resulted in a greater understanding of the Fraser Range tectonic setting.
As noted by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:
"Discovering Andromeda has opened up an exciting new search area for base metals associated with metasedimentary rocks in the Albany-Fraser Orogen.
"This is the sort of breakthrough that could lead to a new mine similar to the nearby Nova-Bollinger project.
"IGO's Fraser Range success is testament to the importance of the EIS and demonstrates why the McGowan Government is investing $10 million a year towards the scheme.
"The EIS plays a crucial role in encouraging exploration in underexplored and greenfields areas of the State, and creating jobs in regional communities."
