Any geologists out there?A comparison using data/descriptions from ALZ news releases and common attributes of IOGC deposits.
Host stratigraphy is relatively Fe-enriched (BIF, ironstones) where IOGC deposits are found according to Wikipedia.
According to Aldershot:The initial exploration focus will be on the Willippa Dome where theHolowilena Ironstone is visible as a dominant east-west ridge at theWillippa Dome some 2 kilometres long and rising 100 to 150 metres abovethe surrounding area. The ridge is composed of finely laminated
haematitic siltstone (basically means Iron stones) between 20m and 50m thick that dips to the south at 50 to 60 degrees. Two
surface grab samples assayed 37.1% Fe and 35.4% Fe.
Basically Iron is shooting out of the ground and surface grab samples indicate Iron source. - Recorded mineralisation in the area including barite, copper and manganese has a strong spatial relationship with these diapiric structures and the faulting.
The Willippa Dome has a dolomitic core and has minor associated coppermineralisation. (Surface indications of small amounts of coppermineralisation-basically got to drill to find out more)
According to Wikipedia:
These ore bodies tend to express as cone-like, blanket-like brecciasheets within granitic margins, ore as long ribbon-like breccia or
massive iron oxide deposits within faults or shears.
According to Aldershot:
Associated northeast – southwest trending faults intersect both domal structures.
Recordedmineralisation in the area including barite, copper and manganese has astrong spatial relationship with these diapiric structures and thefaulting.
Now Geology 101
Nearlyall hydrothermal deposits exhibit some degree of structural controlon mineralization. Structures (fractures, faults or folds) whichform prior to a mineralizing event are referred to as “pre-mineral”(Figure 10 – 6). Geologists are keenly interested in pre-mineralstructures because these structures influence the localization of oreby hydrothermal fluids utilizing these pathways. By mapping thesestructures and projecting the geometry in the subsurface, new ore depositsmay be discovered.
So faults and fractures are preconditions tomineral formation. ALZ operates in an area intersected by near faultlines. Basically when the Earth's rocks beneath the surface crack,minerals rise up and fill the cracks.
In Summary reasons to be hopeful:
1. Aldershot is drilling an iron rich zone indicated by the Iron Stone visible (usually a result of fault formation and the cracks are filled by iron ore, so much so they protrude to the surface)
2. Strong Magnetic feedback indicative of minerals source (however many companies have this and no results, I wish Aldershot defined the strength of the feedback in quantitative terms i.e 1-20?
3. Copper, Zinc mineralization in the local area.
This is a very simplistic analysis of the Martin's well prospect and geologists would likely vomit at my correlations and conjecture.
I am interested in hearing from anyone with a geological background to respond.