Major Discovery Points to Golden Grove VMS Look-Alike
Nimy Resources (ASX:NIM) has outlined an extensive outcropping anomaly containing significant copper, zinc, and gold mineralisation at the newly identified Sneaky Squirrel Gossan Prospect within its Mons Project in Western Australia. The Nimy Resources Sneaky Squirrel discovery has remarkable similarities to the world-class Golden Grove deposit, suggesting strong potential for a significant volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) system at depth.
Rock chip sampling along a 93-meter strike of outcropping gossan has returned highly encouraging results, with values of up to 1,099ppm copper, 4,477ppm zinc, and 817ppb gold (0.82g/t). Initial drill testing has confirmed that copper-zinc mineralisation continues at depth within a highly magnetic zone.
"The discovery of copper zinc anomalous gossans at Sneaky Squirrel validate the prospect as a serious VMS exploration target," said Nimy Managing Director Luke Hampson. "Initial drill testing indicates copper zinc mineralisation continues within a highly magnetic zone at depth with striking similarities to the Golden Grove VMS copper, zinc, gold mines 200km northwest of Sneaky Squirrel."
Promising Drill Results Confirm Depth Extension
Four reverse circulation (RC) holes drilled below the surface anomaly have returned broad intersections of low-grade copper and zinc mineralisation with higher-grade cores of anomalous copper-zinc sulphides. The orientation and dip of these mineralised zones are consistent with the outcropping gossan observed at surface.
Key drill intersections include:
| Hole ID | Intersection | From (m) |
|---|---|---|
| NRRC161 | 8m @ 0.62% Zn, 557ppm Cu, 1.75% S | 183m |
| NRRC162 | 8m @ 0.21% Zn, 69ppm Cu, 0.26% S | 68m |
| NRRC162 | 4m @ 0.22% Zn, 336ppm Cu, 0.98% S | 128m |
| NRRC164 | 12m @ 0.15% Zn, 383ppm Cu, 0.62% S | 64m |
| Including 4m @ 0.31% Zn, 497ppm Cu, 1.04% S | 68m |
The Nimy Resources Sneaky Squirrel discovery is particularly significant as it displays characteristics similar to the Golden Grove deposit, where lower-grade copper and zinc lodes near the surface often indicate higher-grade massive sulphides at depth.
Understanding VMS Deposits: Why They Matter
Volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) deposits are an important type of mineral deposit that typically contain multiple metals, making them valuable exploration targets. These deposits form through ancient underwater volcanic activity, where metal-rich fluids are expelled onto or near the seafloor, creating concentrated metal accumulations.
VMS deposits generally share several key characteristics:
- Multi-metal content: They typically contain copper, zinc, lead, silver, and gold in varying amounts
- Cluster formation: They tend to form in groups rather than as isolated deposits
- Compact size: While often smaller in overall tonnage than some other deposit types, they can be high-grade
- Mining efficiency: Their relatively compact nature makes them suitable for underground mining
The magnetic signature at the Nimy Resources Sneaky Squirrel discovery is particularly encouraging, as it aligns with the gossanous outcropping and drilled copper-zinc mineralisation. This magnetic response highlights the prospectivity for deeper VMS copper mineralisation within a magnetite-rich zone, similar to what is seen at Golden Grove.
Expanding the Mons Project's Critical Metals Portfolio
The Sneaky Squirrel discovery adds another dimension to Nimy's already impressive Mons Project, which spans approximately 80km by 30km over 17 tenements with a total area of about 3,004km². The project already hosts the Block 3 gallium discovery, where Nimy is on track to publish a maiden JORC Resource in the coming quarter.
"Following Nimy's successful high-grade gallium drill campaign at Block 3, work continues on our maiden gallium JORC resource due in the September quarter. Concurrently, communication with overseas parties continues," noted Hampson.
The combined focus on gallium resources and copper exploration positions Nimy strategically in the critical metals sector, with both metals playing crucial roles in emerging technologies and the renewable energy transition.
Future Exploration Plans
The surface gossan copper-zinc anomalies have been identified along 93 meters of a 302-meter strike of intermittent outcropping, which remains open along strike. Additional samples have been collected and submitted for geochemical assay, with results pending.
The company's immediate focus will be on:
- Completing the maiden gallium JORC resource at Block 3
- Continuing to evaluate the extent and grade of the Sneaky Squirrel VMS system
- Testing for higher-grade massive sulphide zones at depth
- Exploring the full 302-meter strike length of the intermittent outcropping
Investment Potential of the Nimy Resources Sneaky Squirrel Discovery
Nimy Resources represents a compelling investment opportunity for several key reasons:
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Multi-commodity exposure – With gallium resources at Block 3 and now copper-zinc-gold potential at Sneaky Squirrel, Nimy offers exposure to multiple critical and precious metals.
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District-scale opportunity – The Mons Belt represents a district-scale discovery in the Yilgarn Craton, one of the world's premier mining jurisdictions.
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Golden Grove comparison – The geological similarities to the world-class Golden Grove VMS deposit provide a proven analog and exploration model.
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Near-term catalysts – With a maiden gallium resource expected in the September quarter and ongoing exploration at Sneaky Squirrel, multiple potential share price catalysts are on the horizon.
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Critical metals focus – Both gallium and copper are classified as critical minerals, essential for technology and renewable energy applications, positioning Nimy in high-demand growth markets.
The Nimy Resources Sneaky Squirrel discovery, together with the Block 3 gallium discovery, demonstrates that Nimy Resources is building a compelling portfolio of critical metal assets in Western Australia. With upcoming milestones including a maiden gallium resource and further exploration of the VMS potential at Sneaky Squirrel, investors should keep a close eye on developments at this emerging critical metals player.
Furthermore, the company's focus on critical minerals aligns with broader market trends, where high-grade gallium discoveries are increasingly sought after in the global transition to green energy. In the mining sector, similar excitement has been generated around gold discoveries and uranium project expansions, highlighting the diverse opportunities in resource exploration.
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