How Far Does Maikhan Uul’s Massive Sulphide Zone Extend? New Drilling Hints at Big Potential
Asian Battery Metals has reinforced the potential of its Maikhan Uul copper-gold project in Mongolia with new drilling confirming a substantial massive sulphide zone. Pending assays and geophysical data suggest a promising extension of the mineralised system.
- Drillhole MU2502 intersects 34.3m massive sulphide zone with copper mineralisation
- Downhole electromagnetic surveys indicate continuity and strike of mineralised lens
- Visual mineral estimates pending laboratory assay results within 4–6 weeks
- Project acquisition progressing with ongoing due diligence and metallurgical testing
- Potential for a larger VMS system comparable to Central Asian deposits
Drilling Success at Maikhan Uul
Asian Battery Metals PLC (ASX – AZ9) has announced encouraging results from its second due diligence drillhole, MU2502, at the Maikhan Uul copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulphide (VMS) project in southwestern Mongolia. Located just 73 metres east of the initial hole MU2501, MU2502 intersected a thick 34.3-metre zone of massive sulphides dominated by pyrite with notable copper mineralisation. This intersection supports the company’s geological model of a steeply north-dipping massive sulphide lens, suggesting a continuous and substantial mineralised body.
Geophysical Insights and Mineralisation Geometry
Complementing the drilling, downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) surveys conducted in both MU2501 and MU2502 have identified conductive plates consistent with the sulphide zones. These plates outline a sub-vertical, east-southeast to west-northwest striking lens that appears to extend both laterally and at depth. The geophysical data bolster confidence in the continuity and geometry of the mineralised system, indicating potential for further extensions beyond the current drill intercepts.
Pending Assays and Next Steps
While visual estimates from the drill core provide promising indications of copper and pyrite abundance, the company cautions that these are not substitutes for laboratory assays, which remain pending and are expected within 4 to 6 weeks. These assays will be critical to confirming the grades of copper, gold, and associated elements, as well as guiding future exploration and metallurgical test work. Asian Battery Metals is concurrently advancing due diligence on the project, including reviewing historical data and planning further drilling and metallurgical studies.
Strategic Positioning in Mongolia’s Mineral Landscape
Maikhan Uul lies just 8 kilometres from Asian Battery Metals’ flagship Oval copper-nickel-PGE discovery, positioning the company well within a prolific mineral belt of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt. The confirmation of a potentially large and long-lived VMS system at Maikhan Uul adds a significant asset to the company’s portfolio, which also includes Copper Ridge and Bayan Sair projects. The ongoing exploration and evaluation efforts underscore Asian Battery Metals’ commitment to advancing critical mineral resources required for Asia’s energy transition.
Looking Ahead
With assay results imminent and further drilling planned, the next few months will be pivotal in defining the economic potential of Maikhan Uul. The combination of geological, geophysical, and soon-to-be-released assay data will shape the company’s strategy for resource estimation and potential development. Investors and market watchers will be keen to see how these results translate into a viable resource that complements Asian Battery Metals’ broader Mongolian exploration ambitions.
Bottom Line?
As assay results approach, Maikhan Uul’s true potential will come into sharper focus, setting the stage for Asian Battery Metals’ next exploration chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- What grades of copper and gold will the pending assays from MU2502 reveal?
- How extensive is the massive sulphide lens at depth and along strike beyond current drillholes?
- What will initial metallurgical test work indicate about the processing potential of the mineralisation?
