Trek Metals Limited has returned high-grade assay results from its maiden reverse circulation drill program at the Kuro manganese discovery, located within the Christmas Creek project in Western Australia.

The initial laboratory analysis of 21 drill holes confirmed a near-surface manganese system, with 15 holes intersecting mineralisation above a 5% cut-off. The standout result came from hole 26XCRC020, which returned 10m at 42.3% Mn from 13m, including a peak one-metre assay of 54.4% Mn. Other significant intercepts include 4m at 44.6% Mn from surface in hole 26XCRC007 and 11m at 24.0% Mn from 6m in hole 26XCRC018.

Preliminary geochemical assessment suggests the manganese mineralised zones may contain low levels of iron and phosphorus, which are typically considered penalty elements in manganese ore. The company noted that manganese and iron appear geochemically decoupled, with the Mn:Fe ratio improving as grade increases.

“Receiving confirmation of high-grade manganese mineralisation below surface in these first laboratory assays represents a major breakthrough in our ongoing exploration program at Christmas Creek. Until now we have been working on outcrop rock chip assays and visual estimates in drilling. While the manganese mineralisation is typically quite visual, having laboratory verification that the high-grade mineralisation we see at surface does indeed continue below surface is a major milestone which gives our team the confidence to continue with the next phase of work.”

— Derek Marshall, Trek Metals CEO

Trek operates the broader Christmas Creek project, which currently targets both manganese at Kuro and copper-gold mineralisation at the Coogan prospect. The company maintains an active exploration pipeline, with current earthmoving and geophysical programs underway across multiple prospects to generate additional drill targets.

Induced polarisation geophysical surveying is continuing across the project to assist in locating concealed high-grade manganese beneath shallow sand cover. The drill rig is currently testing regional targets before scheduled return to Kuro for further work.

The company expects the second batch of Phase 1 assay results for the Kuro discovery within two to four weeks, with final results from the current program anticipated within three to five weeks.

Read the full announcement: First Drill Assays Confirm High-Grade Manganese at Kuro