KSB North Drill Program Intersects Promising Sulphides Near High-Grade Gold Samples
Latitude 66 Limited (ASX: LAT) has completed its maiden Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling program at the KSB North project in northern Finland, with promising initial results uncovering significant sulphide mineralisation potentially linked to previously discovered high-grade gold samples at surface.
Significant Sulphide Intersection Reinforces Exploration Model
The company's strategic trial RC drill program at the K6E and K6W Prospects has successfully confirmed the presence of disseminated sulphides (pyrite) over a substantial 16-meter downhole interval in drill hole K6RC009. The intersection began at just 4 meters depth, with pyrite concentrations peaking at approximately 8%.
This discovery is particularly encouraging as it was made in close proximity to previously collected high-grade surface boulder samples that returned values of 8.8 g/t Au & 0.6% Cu, 3.7 g/t Au & 0.04% Cu, and 2.2 g/t Au & 0.1% Cu.
According to the company, the intensity and width of the sulphide mineralisation appear sufficient to generate the Induced Polarisation (IP) anomaly targeted by the drilling program, suggesting a potential connection between the geophysical signature and the high-grade surface samples.
Managing Director Grant Coyle commented: "The 16m of sulphides in hole K6RC009 is highly encouraging and requires further follow up. Furthermore, our observations of the drilling operations have identified several opportunities to improve drilling techniques, allowing us to more quickly and cost effectively test more of our high-quality drill targets while minimizing environmental disturbance."
Strategic Exploration Targeting
The drill program was designed to test compelling targets at both the K6E and K6W Prospects, which are located approximately 1km south of Latitude 66's existing Mineral Resource of 7.2 million tonnes at 2.7 g/t Au & 0.08% Co for 650,000 ounces of gold and 5,840 tonnes of cobalt.
Twelve vertical holes were completed for a total of 315 meters, with the deepest hole reaching 40 meters. The program targeted coincident geophysical (IP) and geochemical anomalies, including areas where previous surface boulder sampling had returned exceptional results of up to 460 g/t Au at K6E.
Understanding Gold-Sulphide Association
The intersection of sulphides at K6W is significant because gold and cobalt mineralisation at the nearby K1, K2, and K3 deposits (which form the company's current resource) are associated with sulphides, specifically pyrite and pyrrhotite.
The sulphide-rich interval in K6RC009 contains disseminated pyrite with concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 8% across the 16-meter interval from 4-20 meters depth, with additional minor mineralisation continuing to 22 meters.
| Depth Interval | Pyrite % | Style |
|---|---|---|
| 4-6m | 8% | Disseminated |
| 6-8m | 3% | Disseminated |
| 8-10m | 6% | Disseminated |
| 10-12m | 5-6% | Disseminated |
| 12-14m | 5-7% | Disseminated |
| 14-16m | 4-7% | Disseminated |
| 16-20m | 2-5% | Disseminated |
| 20-22m | 0.5-2% | Disseminated |
Understanding Finnish Gold Deposits
The KSB Project hosts what geologists describe as "KSB-style" gold-cobalt-copper mineralisation. These deposits form in Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks and shear zones, with the primary example being the K1 Juomasuo deposit. This style of mineralisation typically occurs in intensely hydrothermally altered and sulphidised, tightly folded sequences of metasedimentary rocks.
The structural setting of these deposits is within the eastern boundary of a major regional antiform called the Käylä-Konttiaho Antiform. Local rock types include early quartzites interbedded with biotite-white mica schists and later or coeval mafic volcanic rocks and dolerite dykes that have intruded into these volcano-sedimentary rocks.
This geological understanding helps explain why the discovery of sulphides at K6W is considered promising for potential gold mineralisation.
Next Steps and Future Plans
Samples from the drilling program have been submitted to the laboratory in Finland, with results anticipated in approximately six weeks. These assays will determine the significance of the sulphide intersection and help guide future exploration efforts.
The company also notes that this program has successfully demonstrated the effectiveness of RC drilling techniques in Finland, where the method is not widely used outside of mine development drilling. Latitude 66 Ltd drill program results have identified several opportunities to improve drilling methodologies, which will allow for more cost-effective and rapid testing of numerous targets within the KSB North Project area.
Following analysis of the assay results, Latitude 66 plans to implement a follow-up drilling campaign to further test the promising targets at the K6E and K6W Prospects and potentially expand on this initial success.
Investment Potential
This exploration program follows Latitude 66's recently released Scoping Study results for the KSB Project. The discovery of significant sulphide mineralisation potentially linked to high-grade gold samples provides further evidence of the project's upside potential both within and surrounding the current Mineral Resource.
With a substantial existing resource of 650,000 ounces of gold and 5,840 tonnes of cobalt, and numerous high-quality exploration targets still to be tested across the KSB Project area, Latitude 66 is well-positioned to potentially grow its resource base through continued exploration success.
The company's dual focus on both gold and critical minerals (cobalt) also provides exposure to both precious metals and the growing battery metals market, creating multiple potential value drivers for investors.
As one of the few ASX-listed companies with significant gold-cobalt projects in the Nordic region, Latitude 66 offers investors unique exposure to a mining-friendly jurisdiction with well-established infrastructure and a strong track record of responsible resource development.
Want to Explore This Promising Gold-Cobalt Opportunity?
Discover why Latitude 66's recent sulphide intersections at KSB North could signal significant exploration upside for this Finnish gold-cobalt project. With an existing resource of 650,000 ounces of gold and 5,840 tonnes of cobalt, plus fresh drill results pointing to new mineralisation potential, now is the perfect time to investigate this unique Nordic precious and battery metals opportunity. Visit Lat66.com to learn more about the company's strategic exploration programme and investment potential.
