Cardinia VMS Anomalies Signal Exploration Upside but Require Follow-Up Drilling

Emerging VMS Potential at Cardinia

Patronus Resources (ASX: PTN) has delivered encouraging exploration results from its 100%-owned Cardinia Project near Leonora, Western Australia, highlighting the growing potential for Volcanogenic Massive Sulphide (VMS) mineralisation. A comprehensive exploration program combining geophysical surveys, geochemical sampling, and Reverse Circulation (RC) drilling has delineated multiple zinc and copper anomalies that align with favourable geological horizons.

The recent 30 line-kilometre Induced Polarisation (IP) survey, conducted by Zonge Engineering & Research, identified strong chargeability anomalies coincident with VMS signature rock chips along mapped chert horizons. These anomalies, typical of footwall stockwork sulphide mineralisation, provided a robust vector for subsequent drilling.

Drilling Confirms Zinc and Copper Anomalies

Patronus completed a 31-hole, 4,852-metre RC drilling campaign targeting these IP anomalies. The program intersected significant zones of zinc and copper mineralisation, notably at the Pegasus and Eagle prospects. Highlights include an 8-metre intercept grading 2,013ppm zinc and 366ppm copper from 79 metres at Pegasus, and a 4-metre intercept with 2,643ppm zinc and 92ppm copper from 86 metres at Eagle. These results confirm the presence of VMS-style mineralisation within altered black shale and cherty sediments.

Managing Director John Ingram emphasised the significance of these findings, stating, "The VMS story at Cardinia is continuing to emerge, with very encouraging results from recent exploration programs that support our belief in the VMS prospectivity of this region." He highlighted the role of the IP survey in identifying multiple anomalies and the RC drilling in intersecting mineralised zones, setting the stage for further exploration.

DHEM Surveys Define Conductive Plates for Next Steps

Down Hole Electro-Magnetic (DHEM) surveys conducted on 14 drill holes further refined the understanding of subsurface conductors. Several conductive plates were modelled, with the largest at Pegasus exhibiting a strike extent of 429 metres and a surface area of nearly 2 square kilometres. Additional plates at Eagle also present compelling targets. These conductive zones are interpreted as potential massive sulphide accumulations, warranting follow-up drilling.

The company plans to undertake further RC drilling in the June quarter to test these newly defined targets, aiming to delineate the extent and grade continuity of the mineralisation. This next phase will be critical in advancing the Cardinia Project towards resource definition.

Strategic Context and Future Exploration

Cardinia lies within the Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone Belt, a prolific Archean terrane known for hosting significant gold and base metal deposits. Historically, exploration focused on gold, but recent work has shifted to recognise the independent VMS mineralisation signature. The integration of geochemical indices, geophysical data, and drilling results is enhancing the geological model and targeting strategy.

Patronus Resources is also considering additional geophysical methods such as airborne VTEM and ground MLEM surveys, alongside selective rare earth element and hyperspectral analyses to vector towards central VMS sulphide mounds. These efforts reflect a methodical approach to unlocking the full potential of the Cardinia Project.