Maiden surface sampling at Impact’s Beau prospect confirms gold, battery metal potential

Impact Minerals (ASX:IPT) has unveiled the results of the first ever exploration activities carried out at its Beau prospect, part of the WA-based polymetal Arkun Project to the east of Perth. 

The Beau prospect is situated to the north of the Arkun project envelope and gives access to an entirely unexplored prospective area. Last month, the company announced it was conducting an airborne survey over the Beau Prospect; the results of that July survey are not yet available. 

Regardless, the first ever surface sampling run conducted at Beau has given Impact’s geotech team a more comprehensive idea of what may be present beneath the surface. 

• A nickel-copper-PGM anomaly approximately 2.5km x 1km in size 

• A gold-palladium anomaly some 500m in diameter 

• Two lithium anomalies together reflecting 2km in dimension 

So far, these three targets are identified by surface sampling alone and require deeper analysis (quite literally, in the form of drill testing.) 

Also worth noting: Impact is still waiting for a further 600 soil samples from the northern segment of the Arkun Project. 

Next step: maiden drilling 

The body of the main Arkun project to the south of the Beau prospect is known to contain evidence of copper, lithium, and gold; adding weight to the validity of early exploration work at Beau. 

Sampling activity will wrap-up this month at Beau ahead of a drilling campaign, which will be the first ever drillwork carried out at the prospect. 

The company notes the timing of the drill run remains subject to land access agreements which require agricultural harvesting on-site to conclude before Impact may commence exploration. 

Management bullish on unique geology 

“A large nickel-copper-PGM anomaly overlies previously unindentified layered mafic intrusive rocks; these are known hosts to massive sulphide deposits around the globe,” Impact Minerals MD Dr. Mike Jones said. 

“In addition, we have identified a gold anomaly associated with rare earth [palladium] responses which may be part of a large intrusion-related system…we have also identified two areas with significant responses [for] a lithium pegmatite system.” 

“These are the first detailed soil geochemistry results we have had from the poorly explored greater Arkun project and confirm our belief the area is prospective for a range of battery, strategic and precious metals.” 

A map locating the Arkun and Beau tenements to the east of Perth (source: Impact Minerals)

Disclaimer: Market Index helps small-cap ASX listed companies connect with Australian investors through clear and concise articles on key developments. Impact Minerals was a client at the time of publishing. All coverage contains factual information only and should not be interpreted as an opinion or financial advice.