Premier1 Unearths High-Grade Gold at New Rochefort Prospect
Premier1 Lithium Limited (ASX: PLC) has confirmed high-grade gold at the newly identified Rochefort Prospect within its Abbotts North Project in Western Australia's Murchison region, with assays returning up to 10.5 g/t gold.
Significant Discovery in Untouched Territory
Follow-up sampling has validated and extended gold mineralisation at what is essentially a brand-new gold discovery by Premier1 Lithium. Rock chip samples returned impressive results including:
- 10.5 g/t Au (sample 25ANR134)
- 4.8 g/t Au (sample 25ANR198)
- 1.9 g/t Au (sample 25ANR136)
The most significant aspect of this discovery is that this represents the first modern gold exploration ever undertaken at Rochefort, with surface sampling defining a mineralised zone of at least 40m by 40m that remains open to the south under shallow cover.
Geological Context Enhances Potential
Gold mineralisation at Rochefort is associated with a network of north-south and northwest-trending quartz-haematite veins within a sheared gabbro unit. The prospect sits at the intersection of multiple regional structures adjacent to the contact between the Abbotts Greenstone Belt and the late-stage Walganna Suite granite—a setting considered highly favourable for structurally-controlled gold mineralisation.
"These results from Rochefort are a clear validation of the gold potential at Abbotts North. We are especially encouraged by the size and grade of the gold footprint identified at surface in what is effectively a brand-new gold prospect. This is the first modern gold exploration ever undertaken at Rochefort and to be seeing grades over 10g/t gold across multiple samples is a strong signal of what might lie beneath," says Premier1's Managing Director Jason Froud.
Understanding Structurally-Controlled Gold Deposits
Structurally-controlled gold deposits like those targeted at Rochefort are among the most important gold deposit types globally. These deposits form when gold-bearing fluids migrate through rock fractures and settle in favourable structural traps.
The intersection of multiple regional structures at Rochefort creates an ideal environment for gold mineralisation, as these intersections provide pathways for mineralising fluids and create zones where gold can precipitate. The presence of a sheared gabbro host rock adds further potential, as mafic rocks like gabbro are chemically reactive with gold-bearing fluids, often resulting in high-grade antimony and gold deposits.
Key characteristics of structurally-controlled gold deposits include:
- Formation along fault zones and structural intersections
- Association with quartz veining systems
- Presence of sulphide minerals alongside gold
- Tendency to form in specific rock types (like the gabbro at Rochefort)
This gold discovery by Premier1 Lithium follows the typical pattern of structurally-controlled deposits found elsewhere in Western Australia's goldfields, suggesting potential for a significant mineralised system.
Strategic Expansion Across Abbotts North
Beyond Rochefort, sampling was completed across the broader Abbotts North tenure, including areas north and east of Sprigg Bore and southeast of Rochefort. Several samples returned anomalous gold values, confirming the regional gold basin prospectivity of the project.
The Abbotts North Project is strategically located within a proven gold belt, just 35km north of Meekatharra in Western Australia. The project area includes parts of the historically productive Abbotts Greenstone Belt, where past mining at the Abbotts mining centre produced approximately 1.28 tonnes of gold at an average grade of 31 g/t.
This historical context provides further validation for the potential significance of Premier1's recent gold discovery at Rochefort.
Near-Term Catalysts and Development Plans
Premier1 is fast-tracking preparations for drilling, with detailed geological mapping underway to refine priority targets. The company has commenced a heritage assessment across the prospect area to facilitate access for future drilling.
A systematic aircore drill program is expected to begin in the coming months, representing Premier1's first drilling campaign at Abbotts North. This program will test the potential beneath the surface expressions of gold already identified.
The company's methodical approach includes:
- Detailed geological mapping to further understand the structural controls on mineralisation
- Heritage assessment to ensure responsible access to drilling areas
- Target refinement based on surface sampling results
- Aircore drilling program to test the vertical extent of mineralisation
This structured exploration approach enhances the probability of success in defining the full potential of the Rochefort gold discovery by Premier1 Lithium.
Why Investors Should Take Notice
Premier1 Lithium presents a compelling early-stage gold opportunity for several reasons:
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Virgin Discovery Territory: Rochefort represents a genuine greenfields discovery in an area with no previous modern exploration.
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High-Grade Surface Samples: Initial sampling has already returned gold grades up to 10.5 g/t, indicating potential for a significant resource increase in the future.
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Favourable Geological Setting: The prospect sits at the intersection of multiple regional structures in a geological setting proven to host significant gold deposits across Western Australia.
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Regional Context: Located in the Murchison region, a proven gold province with multiple multi-million-ounce deposits.
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Imminent Drilling Program: With aircore drilling planned to commence in the coming months, investors can expect a steady flow of news as the company systematically tests this new discovery.
Premier1's strategic exploration approach, underpinned by disciplined project evaluation and a focus on high-impact opportunities, positions the company to potentially deliver significant value as it advances the Rochefort Prospect toward its first drill program.
The company's ability to identify high-grade gold at surface in previously unexplored terrain demonstrates the effectiveness of its exploration methodology and the potential for further discoveries across its broader project portfolio.
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