Dalaroo Metals has completed the first stage of a systematic soil sampling program at the Watheroo copper-nickel-platinum group elements prospect in Western Australia, expanding the identified copper geochemical footprint by approximately 2 square kilometres.

The Stage 1 campaign comprised 106 hand-auger soil samples targeting southern extensions of historical anomalies at the 100%-owned Watheroo Project, located in the mid-north wheatbelt. Assays returned peak values of 284 parts per million copper and 176 parts per million nickel, alongside trace detections of up to 10 parts per billion each for platinum, palladium and gold.

The interpreted 2-square-kilometre extension was calculated using the 40 parts per million copper contour. Dalaroo noted that the multi-element soil response exhibits a strong spatial correlation with mapped mafic-ultramafic lithologies and underlying magnetic features, supporting the interpretation of an intrusive system. The prospect is centred on an aeromagnetic feature measuring approximately 7 kilometres by 3 kilometres.

“Stage 1 has extended the Watheroo copper and nickel soil response south of the historical sampling area and represents an important step forward in our understanding of the target and the next phase of exploration. Peak results of 284 ppm copper and 176 ppm nickel are encouraging and, together with the broader multi-element response, provide a clear focus for follow-up work.”

— John Morgan, CEO

Soil geochemistry alone does not demonstrate the presence, grade or continuity of sulphide mineralisation at depth. To advance the prospect, Dalaroo plans to execute a second sampling phase and ground induced polarisation geophysics to increase resolution, refine the geochemical response and help rank priority areas for potential maiden drilling.

The upcoming Stage 2 program will comprise approximately 360 remaining soil samples designed to extend coverage northward and provide closer-spaced infill across priority targets, supported by the planned geophysical surveys.

Read the full announcement: Soil Sampling extends Watheroo CU-Ni anomaly by 2km2