Dalaroo Metals has completed stage one of its systematic soil sampling programme at the Watheroo copper-nickel-platinum group element (Cu-Ni-PGE) prospect in the mid-north wheatbelt region of Western Australia.
The company reported that 106 soil samples were collected during this stage, targeting areas previously identified as anomalous for copper and nickel.
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Laboratory analysis of these samples showed peak values of 284 parts per million (ppm) copper and 176ppm nickel.
Additional results included up to ten parts per billion each of platinum, palladium and gold.
According to Dalaroo, the copper anomaly, defined by a 40ppm copper contour, now extends approximately 2km² to the south of the previously sampled area.
The newly defined geochemical footprint is spatially associated with mapped mafic-ultramafic lithologies and an underlying magnetic feature.
Dalaroo stated that this supports the interpreted intrusive system at Watheroo and helps to focus ongoing exploration efforts, particularly along the eastern contact of the buried intrusion where sulphide mineralisation is considered possible.
The stage one results form part of a broader exploration strategy that aims to refine targets for future drilling.
The company is planning a stage two soil sampling programme to extend coverage northwards and add more detailed sampling across selected high-priority areas.
Around 360 additional soil samples are scheduled as part of this next phase.
The Watheroo area is centred on a 7km × 3km magnetic feature and is described by Dalaroo as a potential site for Julimar-style magmatic Cu-Ni-PGE mineralisation.
The company’s exploration work includes ongoing geological mapping, targeted rock-chip and stream-sediment sampling, and planned geophysical surveys.
Decisions on whether to advance to drilling will depend on the outcomes of this multi-stage programme.
Dalaroo Metals CEO John Morgan said: “The spatial association between the Cu-Ni response, mapped mafic-ultramafic geology and the underlying magnetic feature supports our interpreted intrusive model and provides a stronger geological framework for prioritising further exploration across the target.
“Stage 2 soil sampling and planned ground IP [induced polarisation] geophysics will increase resolution across selected areas, refine the geochemical response and help rank priority areas for potential maiden drilling.”
