Petratherm Initiates Large-Scale Drilling to Uncover Titanium and Vanadium Potential at Muckanippie
Petratherm Limited (ASX) has commenced a significant 4,000-metre drilling campaign at its Muckanippie Titanium Project, located in the northern Gawler Craton, South Australia. This ambitious program aims to explore the substantial titanium-rich heavy mineral sands (HMS) deposits at the Rosewood and Claypan prospects, covering several square kilometers. The program will also target Titanium-Vanadium mineralisation within the basement zones of the Claypan Prospect.
Ambitious Drilling Program Targets High-Grade Titanium and Vanadium
The comprehensive air core drilling program is strategically designed to test the extensive mineral sands at the Rosewood and Claypan prospects. With drill holes spaced at 200 metres along lines over 1-kilometre traverses, the drilling will explore HMS mineralisation from near surface to depths of 30-40 metres. In addition, deeper drilling is planned to assess the primary Vanadiferous Titanomagnetite (VTM) horizons within the fresh basement rock at depths ranging from 40 to 70 metres.
Strategic Exploration to Unlock Muckanippie’s Mineral Potential
Petratherm’s program will also include reconnaissance drilling across other areas of potential Titanium-Vanadium rich rock formations. The mineral assays from the drilling campaign will undergo detailed analysis to determine the heavy mineral content, geochemistry, and potential resource scale, with initial results expected by late November.
Petratherm’s CEO Optimistic About Muckanippie’s Prospects
Petratherm’s CEO, Peter Reid, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating:
“The Company is extremely pleased to have drilling now underway at Muckanippie and is well-funded following the recent placement and oversubscribed SPP. The critical minerals, Titanium and Vanadium, have been identified over large areas and in a variety of target forms, which is testament to the fertility of the Muckanippie area. This maiden drill program by Petratherm will assist in determining the extent of mineralisation and the potential for future economic resources.”
High-Grade Titanium and Vanadium Prospects at Muckanippie
The Muckanippie Titanium Project, located southwest of Coober Pedy, has already shown exceptional potential. Recent discoveries of high-grade titanium-rich heavy mineral sands, with grades between 10% and 50% titanium dioxide (TiO2), highlight the area's promise. The Claypan prospect also contains Titanium-Vanadium mineralisation in the underlying basement rock, with assays returning grades up to 21.0% TiO2 and 0.44% V2O5.
As Petratherm advances its drilling program, the company is set to provide further updates and initial assay results, which could position Muckanippie as a major player in South Australia's critical minerals landscape.