Alligator Energy Ltd (ASX:AGE) has developed an integrated geological, geochemical and geophysical model for Nabarlek North Project in the Alligator Rivers Uranium Province (ARUP) of the Northern Territory.
The new model opens avenues for more efficient planning of future exploration programs and offers a deeper understanding of geological structures on the tenure.
With regional rotary air blast (RAB) drilling and auger soil sampling techniques AGE geologists determined the local rock types from saprolite geochemical signatures.
This, in turn, led to an interpretation that hints at the sub-surface presence of the Cahill Formation at Nabarlek North, known for hosting the major uranium ore bodies in the region, including those at the nearby Ranger and Jabiluka projects.
Location of the Nabarlek North work area and Alligators ARUP Project tenure in the NT.
Multiple targets for 2023 exploration
Alligator CEO Greg Hall said, “It has been a long wait to see the integrated geological model for Nabarlek North, but it is worthwhile.”
“Alligator now feels that it has improved the understanding of the fundamental geology to the point where there are targets emerging that can be tested in an efficient manner.”
The culmination of AGE’s modelling work is a roster of numerous targets slated for investigation in 2023, with a special focus on areas adjacent to the known high-grade U40 Prospect.
Activities planned for the coming year include a ground-induced polarisation (IP) survey covering up to 15 square kilometres set to kick off in June, followed by further geochemical sampling using RAB/aircore and shallow auger drilling after the IP survey.
Cahill formation offers fertile formation
“The project area appears to contain rock types that we can assign to the Cahill Formation, which is the most uranium-fertile formation present in the ARUP,” Hall explained.
He stressed that this contrasted sharply with the state of understanding a year ago when the company’s knowledge of bedrock geology under cover was limited.
“Alligator has progressed the project using low-cost methods,” Hall continued.
“The geochemical sampling and geophysics are designed to interpret the geology and structures present, with the aim of identifying likely uranium targets for deeper reverse circulation (RC) drilling.”
Looking ahead, Alligator emphasised the importance of strong community relationships in its future plans, with a meeting already held in early May to update work programs with Traditional Owner and NLC groups, and heritage surveys scheduled for early June.
“An exciting 2023 awaits in the ARUP,” Hall concluded.