Great Western Exploration (ASX: GTE) has announced highly encouraging results from its latest diamond drilling at the Oval Copper-Gold Target, with preliminary observations indicating a potentially large Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) system. Drilling has intersected multiple prospective horizons that appear similar to the high-grade DeGrussa Copper-Gold Deposit in the adjacent Bryah Basin.
Major Discovery Points to Extensive Mineralisation System
The latest diamond drill hole at Oval successfully intercepted a 35m-wide sedimentary-volcanic unit containing multiple sulphide lenses at a depth of 824m. This unit, combined with altered basaltic volcanics below, strongly suggests the drill hole is positioned close to a potentially metal-rich central zone of a VHMS deposits system.
Key observations from the geological logging include:
- Multiple 1-4cm thick sulphide lenses (primarily pyrite) within the target conductor zone
- Heavily altered basaltic volcanic rocks below the conductor containing disseminated and veined pyrite
- Presence of chalcopyrite (copper sulphide) within veins throughout the altered volcanic sequence
- Carbonate matrix breccia potentially indicative of a VHMS feeder system
The combination of rock types, alteration patterns, and sulphide mineralisation closely resembles the characteristics of DeGrussa-style VHMS systems, which are known for their high-grade copper-gold mineralisation.
Strategic Location Enhances Discovery Potential
The Oval Target's location appears to be particularly favourable for major mineral system development:
- Situated on the fertile, crustal-scale Ida Fault
- Positioned at the intersection with a basin-defining "growth fault"
- Located within an east-west intrusive corridor providing a potential zone of weakened crust for focused metal accumulation
- Coincident airborne gradiometry gravity highs aligned with the prospective volcanic and sedimentary rocks
These geological features create an ideal structural setting for the development of significant VHMS mineralisation, similar to factors that contributed to the formation of the DeGrussa deposit.
Understanding VHMS Deposits: Why They Matter to Investors
Volcanic Hosted Massive Sulphide (VHMS) deposits represent some of the world's most valuable mineral systems, often containing high-grade accumulations of copper, gold, zinc, and other metals. These deposits typically form on the seafloor where hydrothermal fluids from volcanic activity interact with seawater, creating "black smoker" vents that precipitate metal-rich sulphides.
What makes VHMS systems particularly attractive to investors:
- Often high-grade with concentrated metal content
- Typically occur in clusters, creating district-scale opportunities
- Can form substantial deposits worth billions in contained metal value
- Relatively well-understood geology allows for targeted exploration
The nearby DeGrussa deposit, discovered by Sandfire Resources in 2009, contained approximately 742,000 tonnes of copper and 1 million ounces of gold, highlighting the potential economic significance of these systems.
VHMS deposits are characterised by their formation in submarine volcanic environments where metal-rich hydrothermal fluids circulate through volcanic rocks and are discharged onto the seafloor. The metals precipitate as sulphide minerals when the hot, acidic, metal-bearing solutions mix with cold seawater. This process creates stratiform lenses of massive sulphide mineralisation that can be exceptionally rich in copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver.
Geologists recognise several key zones within VHMS systems:
- Feeder Zone: The roots of the system where hydrothermal fluids migrate upward, often marked by intense alteration and stockwork veining
- Massive Sulphide Zone: The main ore body, typically consisting of >80% sulphide minerals
- Semi-massive to Disseminated Zone: Lower-grade mineralisation surrounding the massive sulphide lens
- Exhalative Zone: Chemical sediments deposited distal to the main vent
The presence of carbonate matrix breccia observed in Great Western's drilling is particularly significant as these features often indicate proximity to feeder zones, which can host substantial mineralisation.
Upcoming Catalysts and Strong Financial Position
Great Western is well-positioned to advance exploration at Oval with:
- Assay results expected in April-May 2025
- Geological modelling currently underway to define follow-up drilling targets
- A strong cash position of $4.7 million (as of December 31, 2024)
- Funding in place for upcoming exploration programs including drilling at the Sumo Niobium and Juggernaut Copper-Gold Targets
The combination of promising geological indicators, strategic positioning, and financial capability puts Great Western in an advantageous position to pursue what could be a significant copper-gold discovery.
Investment Perspective: Why Follow Great Western
Great Western Exploration presents a compelling investment opportunity based on several key factors:
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Discovery Potential: The early indicators from Oval suggest proximity to a potentially significant copper-gold system with similarities to the high-grade DeGrussa deposit.
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Multiple Targets: Beyond Oval, the company has additional high-priority targets including Sumo Niobium and Juggernaut Copper-Gold within its Western Australian portfolio.
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Strong Technical Foundation: The comprehensive geological work demonstrates a methodical, science-based approach to target identification and testing.
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Financial Stability: With $4.7 million in cash, the company is well-funded to advance its exploration programs without immediate capital constraints.
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Strategic Asset Location: The company's focus on Western Australia provides exploration upside in a politically stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction with excellent infrastructure.
The next few months represent a pivotal period for Great Western as assay results from Oval will provide crucial data points to evaluate the economic potential of this discovery. Investors should closely monitor developments at this emerging copper-gold target, which has the hallmarks of a significant discovery in the making.
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