The geological setting of Block RS-12V is highly complex and prospective, demonstrating clear potential for the formation of multiple, valuable mineral deposit types.
1. Geological FrameworkThe project is situated within the Nakasib Suture Zone of the Arabian-Nubian Shield (ANS), a terrane formed by tectonic collisions between 500-900 million years ago. This setting is globally renowned for hosting significant mineral deposits. The local geology is characterized by:·
A basement complex of predominantly Granite.·
Sequences of metavolcanic and metasedimentary rocks.·
Intrusions of schist, chlorite, diorite, dolerite, and a network of quartz veins.
This complex architecture, affected by medium to high-grade metamorphism, has created the perfect conditions for fluid flow and mineral deposition.
2. Key Mineralization Styles & Deposit Models
Based on field observations and assay results, the following deposit models are being targeted:
A. Magmatic Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-PGE Sulfide Deposits·
Model: Sulfide mineralization segregated from mafic-ultramafic magmas.·
Evidence: The presence of nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and copper (Cu) within a deformed mafic-ultramafic sequence. This is a primary target, analogous to major camps like Voisey’s Bay or Norilsk.·
Prospectivity: High. The association of these metals in a suture zone setting is a classic indicator for this world-class deposit type.
B. Orogenic Gold Deposits (Primary Bedrock Gold)·
Model: Gold deposited by hydrothermal fluids along major structural zones during mountain-building events.·
Evidence: Widespread quartz veins and shear zones within the metamorphic rocks. Confirmed by high-grade artisanal workings and rock chip samples (e.g., 68.91 g/t Au).·
Prospectivity: Very High. The ANS is one of the world’s most prolific gold provinces. The structural complexity of the block is ideal for hosting significant gold deposits.
C. Iron Oxide Copper-Gold (IOCG) / Hydrothermal Copper-Cobalt Deposits·
Model: Hydrothermal deposits where iron oxides (magnetite) are associated with copper (±gold, ±cobalt) mineralization.·
Evidence: Field observations of a “significant iron oxide with malachite ore body” and alteration zones associated with magnetite, malachite, and sulfide minerals. This is a strong, direct visual indicator of copper-cobalt mineralization.·
Prospectivity: High. The described mineral assemblage is a textbook signature of this deposit model, which can produce large, high-value orebodies.
D. Alluvial Gold Deposits·
Model: Secondary gold placers concentrated in modern and ancient river sediments by weathering and erosion.·
Evidence: Active artisanal mining in wadis and drainage systems.·
Prospectivity: Moderate to High. Serves as a direct indicator of upstream primary (orogenic) gold sources and can provide early cash flow to fund exploration.
Block RS-12V exhibits exceptional geological prospectivity with multiple, overlapping mineral systems:
1. A Magmatic Sulfide System for Ni-Cu-Co-PGE.
2. An Orogenic Gold System within quartz veins and shear zones.
3. A Hydrothermal Copper-Cobalt (IOCG-style) System with iron oxides and malachite.
The coexistence of these systems significantly de-risks the exploration program and dramatically increases the potential for a major, tier-1 polymetallic discovery. The next phase of work will focus on delineating the extent and economic potential of each of these compelling mineralization styles.
