Major Breakthrough in Near-Mine Exploration for West Coast Silver
West Coast Silver Limited (ASX: WCE) has identified 12 high-priority exploration targets at its flagship Elizabeth Hill Silver Project near Karratha, Western Australia, through a comprehensive targeting study integrating multiple datasets. The breakthrough provides the company with a clear roadmap to potentially expand the known silver mineralisation beyond the historic mine site.
The study, led by independent consultants ERM (formerly CSA Global), has significantly enhanced the company's understanding of structural controls and silver mineralisation potential across the project area, identifying several high-grade silver intersections that had previously remained untested or ineffectively explored.
"This detailed targeting work has significantly upgraded our confidence in the broader potential of the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project. Our recent very successful fund raising allows us to move quickly into testing these new high-priority targets, particularly around the historic mine," commented Executive Chairman Bruce Garlick.
High-Grade Silver Intersections Support Priority Targets
The study's most compelling evidence comes from historical drill holes showing significant silver mineralisation in near-mine targets, including:
- 2m at 1,550g/t Ag from 108m downhole depth in AMEHRC012
- 1m at 250g/t Ag from 118m downhole depth in AG43
- 4m at 60g/t Ag from 4m downhole depth in 22AMC011
- 2m at 74g/t Ag from 48m downhole depth in EC052
These intersections reinforce the company's belief that substantial silver potential exists beyond the historic mine workings, particularly in two immediate follow-up targets (NM5 and NM1).
Structural Keys to Silver Mineralisation Unlocked
The analysis confirms that the primary control on high-grade silver mineralisation at Elizabeth Hill is the intersection of the Munni Munni fault with the granite–ultramafic rock contact, a structurally favorable setting known to host significant mineralisation at the historical Elizabeth Hill underground mine.
This structural understanding has been critical in identifying the 12 high-priority exploration targets at West Coast Silver, assessed based on proximity to key structural features, granite/ultramafic contacts, coherent geochemical anomalies, and the presence of gossanous material.
Comprehensive Data Integration Drives Target Generation
The targeting study has integrated multiple datasets including:
- Historical near-mine and regional drill hole data
- Historical soil and multi-element geochemical data
- West Coast Silver rock chip and float sample data
- Historical trench geochemical data
- Historical magnetic, radiometric and gravity data
This integrated approach has revealed coherent regional anomalies to the north and south of the mine along structures that are subparallel to the Munni Munni fault, highlighting broader silver discovery exploration potential within the belt.
Forward Work Plan: Drilling Program on Horizon
With these promising exploration targets at West Coast Silver identified, the company is now planning a comprehensive fieldwork and drilling program to test the high-priority near-mine and regional targets. This program may include:
- Trenching of the ultramafic/granite contact
- Air core/RC drilling of priority anomalies
- Expansion of geochemical, geophysical, and mapping coverage
- Parallel exploration of previously announced shallow mineralisation in the Elizabeth Hill Silver Mine area
Elizabeth Hill: A High-Grade Silver Project with Proven Production
Elizabeth Hill stands as one of Australia's highest-grade silver projects with a remarkable production history:
- 1.2 million ounces of silver produced from just 16,830t of ore
- Exceptional head grade of 2,194g/t (70.5 oz/t) Ag
- Previous mining operation ceased in 2000 due to low silver prices (US$5)
- Simplistic historical processing: native silver recovered via low-cost gravity separation
- Located in a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction on a mining lease
The project's consolidation into a contiguous 180km² package provides significant expansion opportunity, capturing a substantial portion of the Munni Munni fault system, which is considered prospective for Elizabeth Hill look-a-like silver deposits.
Understanding Silver Mineralisation in Fault Systems
Silver mineralisation at Elizabeth Hill is primarily controlled by the intersection of major faults with the granite–ultramafic rock contact. This structural setting creates ideal conditions for high-grade silver deposition.
The step-down geometry of the main silver shoot along east-trending faults provides a compelling exploration insight into the search for extensions of the high-grade silver mineralised zone, particularly in untested areas south of the historic mine.
In simplified terms, the silver mineralisation at Elizabeth Hill formed where specific rock types meet along major fault lines. These geological junctions create pathways for mineral-rich fluids to flow and deposit silver. By understanding this pattern, West Coast Silver can now target similar geological settings across its property.
Why This Matters for Investors
The identification of these 12 high-priority exploration targets represents a significant advancement in West Coast Silver's exploration strategy. With a clear pathway to test for further silver occurrences, the company is well-positioned to potentially expand the known resource and create substantial shareholder value.
The Elizabeth Hill Project continues to demonstrate its potential as a high-grade silver resource in a favorable mining jurisdiction, with unexplored mineralisation open at depth and untested targets surrounding the historic mine area.
Next Steps for West Coast Silver
West Coast Silver will now proceed with a systematic exploration program focusing on the highest-priority targets. The company's recently completed fundraising provides the financial resources to aggressively pursue these opportunities and potentially add significant value to the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project.
Investors should monitor upcoming exploration results, particularly from targets NM5 and NM1, which show the most immediate potential based on historical high-grade silver intersections.
Through this methodical approach to exploration target identification, West Coast Silver has positioned itself to potentially uncover additional high-grade silver mineralisation beyond the known historic mine area, potentially transforming the scale and economics of the Elizabeth Hill Silver Project.
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