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Asian Battery Metals launches regional exploration at Yambat Project
Asian Battery Metals PLC is set to embark on an ambitious regional exploration initiative in 2025 at its Yambat Project in southwestern Mongolia. This undertaking is aimed at unraveling the potential of several copper-gold and copper-nickel prospects, building on the promising developments at its flagship Oval Cu-Ni-PGE discovery.
Overview of the 2025 Exploration Program
The company is fully funded to kick off exploration activities, which are slated to commence in the June quarter. The drilling will focus on three high-priority targets: Copper Ridge, MS1, and MS2. Specifically, Copper Ridge will undergo extensive testing through two diamond drillholes totaling around 400 meters. Meanwhile, MS1 and MS2 will be explored based on significant chargeability anomalies documented in prior surveys.
Highlights from Each Target Area
Copper Ridge: Expansion of the Cu-Au Footprint
Previous drilling at Copper Ridge has yielded promising results, including 137.3 meters of semi-continuous mineralization, with notable intersections of 20 meters at 0.21% copper and 0.43 grams per tonne gold. The upcoming program anticipates follow-up investigations employing geophysical techniques, surface sampling, and targeted diamond drillholes designed to probe high chargeability and magnetic anomalies.
MS2: A New Magmatic Target
Field mapping in the MS2 area has unveiled spotted slate outcrops, indicative of metamorphic contact associated with the Oval intrusion. Subsequent geophysical studies from 2022 to 2024 suggest the presence of concealed magmatic-hydrothermal systems, despite initial surface sampling revealing lower copper and nickel grades. The 2025 plan involves a single diamond drillhole and additional geological mapping.
MS1: Drilling Beneath Magnetic Anomalies
Located 6 kilometers southeast of the Oval prospect, MS1 is characterized by robust magnetic and chargeability anomalies that lie beneath a substantial cover. The 2025 exploration will include a detailed magnetic survey followed by a 250-meter drillhole aimed at testing these concealed geophysical anomalies.
CR Far East: An Emerging Target
Early-stage exploration at CR Far East has identified scattered magnetic anomalies and argillic alteration signals, alongside stream sediment results indicating a copper-nickel-cobalt geochemical signature. A comprehensive Gradient Array Induced Polarization (GAIP) survey, covering 39.5 kilometers, is set to refine the geological model and pinpoint drill targets.
Upcoming Milestones
Asian Battery Metals PLC is gearing up to initiate drilling at Copper Ridge, MS1, and MS2 in April to May 2025, with assay results anticipated by mid-second quarter. Following this, the GAIP survey at CR Far East will commence in May. The company’s strategic approach harnesses geophysics and early-stage drilling to broaden its portfolio of copper and nickel prospects, which play a critical role in Asia’s energy transition efforts.
Conclusion
With a well-rounded regional exploration program poised to expand on its earlier successes, Asian Battery Metals PLC is strategically positioned for growth in the burgeoning copper and nickel sectors. By integrating advanced geophysical techniques and targeted drilling, the company aims to uncover additional resources to bolster its flagship project and contribute meaningfully to the energy landscape of the region.