Bauxite Resources Limited - Fortuna Prospect Exploration Drilling Results
Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) - Perth-based bauxite explorer and developer, Bauxite Resources Ltd (ASX:BAU) (PINK:BXRDF) is pleased to provide an update on bauxite exploration activities in its northern Darling Range tenement area, Western Australia.
An exploration drilling campaign has been completed on the Company's Fortuna prospect, located on private farmland near the regional town of Wundowie, Western Australia, with the aim of identifying additional bauxite resources. This work was carried out on exploration tenement E70/2230 to which BRL retains 100% bauxite rights (Figures 1 & 2, see link below). The project area lies adjacent to the 73.3Mt Felicitas bauxite resource to which BRL retains 30% beneficial interest. The drilling area has excellent road access to Perth, existing heavy rail approximately 15km to the north and Kwinana Port approximately 120km from the project area.
The exploration program comprised 302 vertical holes drilled for 2,857 metres across an area of approximately 385Ha at a nominal 160m x 80m drill pattern. A preliminary review of the data shows that significant bauxite grades and thicknesses are present, with approximately 65% of the holes containing available alumina grades of greater than or equal to 25%, with at least 2m thickness, reactive silica less than 5%, and maximum strip ratio of 1:1. Bauxite thicknesses of up to 13.5m (average 5.2m) were intersected (refer to Table 1 for significant intercepts).
Preliminary examination of the FTIR analysis received to date (for above mentioned significant holes) indicates;
- Available alumina in the range of 25 - 53% (arithmetic average 31.7%)
- Total alumina within bauxite of up to 59%
- Reactive silica ranges 0.1 - 4.6%
- ~10% of above samples have been checked by low temperature (143o) digest
The mineralised zones have limited overburden which increases potential for lower mining excavation costs. Fortuna represents the southern extension of the Felicitas resource, and remains open to the east and south. Further drilling is planned to commence in the June quarter (see Figure 2).
The assay results quoted have been achieved without the aid of beneficiation processes.
Final check low temperature bomb digest and XRF analytical data for the program is expected during April 2013. Preliminary review by BRL geologists suggests that bauxite mineralisation encountered may provide BRL a wholly owned bauxite resource, and add to total bauxite resources. A resource estimation study will be undertaken by RPM Global; once geological modelling is completed BRL expects to receive a JORC classified resource estimate during the June quarter 2013.
For full results table and diagrams, please visit:
http://media.abnnewswire.net/media/en/docs/ASX-BAU-630897.pdf
About Bauxite Resources Limited:
Bauxite Resources Limited (ASX:BAU) was established in May 2006 to become a part of the bauxite and alumina industries in Western Australia where four of the seven Australian alumina refineries and four of Australia’s bauxite mines are located. The Company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in October 2007.
Bauxite Resources is the largest tenement holder in the Darling Range with approximately 22,500 km2 of ground. This area in south-west Western Australia is acknowledged as the largest producing alumina region in the world supplying approximately 23% of global production.
Contact:
Bauxite Resources Limited
T: +61-8-9200-8200
F: +61-8-9200-8299
WWW: www.bauxiteresources.com.au