Empire Metals Limited Exploration Target for Pitfield Titanium Project

RNS Number : 0475S

Empire Metals Limited

12 June 2024

 

Empire Metals Limited / LON: EEE / Sector: Natural Resources

 

12 June 2024

Empire Metals Limited

('Empire' or the 'Company')

 

Exploration Target for the Pitfield Titanium Project

 

Empire Metals Limited (LON: EEE), the AIM-quoted resource exploration and development company, is pleased to announce a JORC Exploration Target ('Exploration Target') comprised of two focus areas, the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral prospects, at the Pitfield Titanium Project in Western Australia ('Pitfield' or the 'Project'). The generation of an Exploration Target is an important milestone, and a significant first step towards the development of a Mineral Resource Estimate.

 

Highlights

·    The total Exploration Target, covering the Thomas and Cosgrove mineral prospects, is estimated to contain between 26.4 to 32.2 billion tonnes with a grade range of 4.5 to 5.5% TiO₂*.

 

·    Included within the total Exploration Target above is a subset that covers the weathered sandstone zone, which extends from surface to an average vertical depth of 30m to 40m, and is estimated to contain between 4.0 to 4.9 billion tonnes with a grade range of 4.8 to 5.9% TiO₂*.

 

·    Snowden Optiro, a leading Australian based, mineral resources consulting and advisory group, completed the QA/QC and geological modelling required in order to develop the JORC Exploration Target for the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral prospects;

 

·    The total Exploration Target covers a combined area of approximately 59km², extends down to 150m vertical depth only, and has been constrained at a 2% TiO₂ cut-off grade;

 

·    The Exploration Target covers an area less than 20% of the overall mineral system at Pitfield , which has been mapped by a 40km by 8km by 5km deep magnetics anomaly, supported by other data;

 

·    The total Exploration Target excludes numerous other high-potential prospects along the 40km strike length, which currently lack sufficient drillhole data to include in the Exploration Target;

 

·    Additional drilling across the Exploration Target is required and planned to advance the Exploration Target to a Mineral Resource Estimate.

 

*The potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target is conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to estimate a Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the estimation of a Mineral Resource.

 

Shaun Bunn, Managing Director, said: "I am delighted to announce this very impressive Exploration Target result, which truly represents an extraordinary achievement for the Company given it was only just over 12 months ago that we announced that our maiden drilling had discovered a giant, high-grade, titanium-rich mineral system. The Exploration Target is an important milestone and significant first step towards the development of a Mineral Resource Estimate. Furthermore, it provides the opportunity for comparison with other existing or emerging projects, not just within the titanium industry but also on a global mining scale. It is no surprise to us that we are on track to demonstrate that this giant titanium rich mineral system truly lies within a class of its own.

 

"Importantly, the Exploration Target does not include all the zones of high-grade titanium mineralisation currently identified by the Company outside of these two key prospects, both along strike and at depth, below the 150m mark, and which have the potential to significantly increase the overall titanium endowment of the Project."

 

Exploration Target

The Exploration Target incorporates the titanium mineralisation hosted within the interbedded succession of sandstones, siltstones and conglomerates as defined by the existing wide spaced diamond core and Reverse Circulation ('RC') drilling, that is backed up by geophysical surveys, surface mapping and soil and rock chip sampling.

 

Notably, the Exploration Target consists of two, distinct high-grade, near surface bedded sandstone zones, referred to as the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral prospects, which extend over an area of 39km² and 20km² respectively (Figures 1 and 2). The Exploration Target has been modelled to a vertical depth of 150m and has been constrained at a 2% TiO₂ cut-off grade.

 

The estimated range of potential titanium mineralisation forming the combined Exploration Target is 26.4 to 32.2 billion tonnes grading at 4.5 to 5.5% TiO₂.

 

The Exploration Target has been subdivided to show the potential mineralisation and each mineral prospect separately. It has been further subdivided to show the range of potential mineralisation within the weathered sandstone zone separately, which is enriched in titanium dioxide minerals (rutile and anatase) and extends from surface to an average depth of approximately 30m to 40m (Table 1).

 

Table 1. JORC Exploration Target Details

Mineral Prospect	Tonnes Range (Mt)		Grade Range (TiO2%)
	Minimum	Maximum	Minimum	Maximum
Cosgrove - Weathered	2,427	2,967	4.9	6.0
Cosgrove - Fresh Bedrock	14,880	18,187	4.3	5.3
Sub-Total Cosgrove	17,308	21,154	4.4	5.4
Thomas - Weathered	1,600	1,955	4.8	5.8
Thomas - Fresh Bedrock	7,478	9,140	4.5	5.5
Sub-Total Thomas	9,078	11,095	4.6	5.6
Sub-Total - Weathered	4,027	4,922	4.8	5.9
Sub-Total - Fresh Bedrock	22,359	27,327	4.4	5.4
Total Exploration Target	26,386	32,249	4.5	5.5

 

Summary of Relevant Exploration Data

 

The Exploration Target is based on the interpretation of the following geology and mineralisation data that have been collated as of the date of this announcement, (which includes previously reported Exploration Results, and information in this report that relates to previously reported Exploration Results has been crossed-referenced in this report to the date that it was reported to AIM):

 

·    7 diamond core drill holes completed for 2,025m;

·    101 Reverse Circulation (RC) drill holes completed for 15,010m;

·    8,390 drill hole assay results;

·    16 density measurements on diamond drill core;

·    339 surface rock chip sampling assay results;

·    detailed surface geological mapping and diamond core geological logging;

·    geophysical datasets including detailed airborne magnetics, airborne electromagnetics and airborne gravity surveys;

·    17.35 line kilometres of Dipole-Dipole Induced Polarisation ground surveys: and

·    wireframing and 3D modelling of the Cosgrove and Thomas prospects mineralised orebody.

 

 

Figure 1.  Cosgrove Mineral Prospect with plan view of Exploration Target shaded

Figure 2.  Thomas Mineral Prospect with plan view of Exploration Target shaded.

Figure 3.  Simplified geological section shown for the Cosgrove Mineral Prospect, Section 6738620N for DD24COS002 (See Figure 1)

 

Geology and Mineralisation Style

 

Pitfield is  geologically situated along the western boundary of the Yilgarn Craton, within the Neoproterozoic Yandanooka Basin which consists mainly of interbedded siliciclastic sedimentary rocks.  Importantly, the Yandanooka Basin lies near the junction of two major structures, the Darling Fault and Yandanooka-Cape Riche Lineament, which are believed to have played important roles in the development and sedimentation of the basin, hydrothermal alteration of the basin rocks and concentration of titanium mineralisation.

 

Regional gravity and magnetics surveys, carried out historically by the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA), identified strong, extensive and coincident gravity and magnetics anomalies within the basin but lacked detail due to the wide line spacing of these historical surveys. The more detailed airborne magnetics (AM) and airborne electromagnetics (AEM) surveys undertaken by Empire (announced 21 September 2022) confirmed a field-mapped, massive alteration footprint within the host sedimentary rocks that was coincident with the historical gravity anomaly and the new, detailed magnetic and electromagnetic anomalies extending over a 40km north-south distance (Figure 4).

 

Figure 4.  Grey-scale magnetics map overlain by airborne gravity survey results with the location of RC and Diamond Core drillholes and the Cosgrove and Thomas Exploration Target.

The results of the airborne gravity survey (announced 29 August 2023) highlighted a high-density, central core broadly associated with the previously mapped giant iron-titanium associated alteration system at Pitfield. The high-density core is a regional-scale feature, covering an area ~30km in length and up to 6km wide. The gravity data matches the airborne magnetics flown by Empire whereby the more magnetic rocks are also located within the same central core.

 

Recent Exploration (2023-2024)

In 2023, the Company launched a series of drill campaigns to begin to test the grade and extent of the giant mineralised system (refer Figure 4).

 

Empire completed a maiden 21-hole Reverse Circulation ('RC') drill programme in April 2023, totalling 3,206m, which resulted in the discovery of titanium-rich mineralisation within the hydrothermally altered sedimentary rocks. The majority of the maiden drill holes were collared in the northern portion of the tenements, near Mt Scratch (announced 30 May 2023). 

 

Three deeper diamond drill holes were completed during September-October 2023, covering targets to the north (Mt Scratch), 30km to the south (Thomas property) and in the central zone (Cosgrove property). Three diamond core holes were drilled, for a total of 1,217m, all of which intersected thick, high-grade TiO₂ mineralised beds of hematite-epidote-carbonate altered sandstone, down to a vertical depth of 350m, with the bottom of each hole stopped in mineralisation also hosted by similar sandstone-rich beds (announced 29 November 2023).

 

During November-December 2023, Empire conducted a 40-hole RC drill programme focusing on near surface, high grade targets within the central and southern portions of the tenements, these targets being up-dip from the high-grade intersections encountered in the diamond drill holes. This second RC campaign, totalling a combined 5,718m, confirmed that shallow sandstone-rich beds hosted the higher-grade TiO₂ mineralisation, and are continuous with the deeper high-grade diamond drillhole intersections (announced 22 January 2024).

 

The latest drill program at Pitfield was completed in late March, and consisted of 40 RC drillholes totalling 6,086m, and four diamond core drillholes totalling 807m. The RC drillholes ranged between a downhole depth of 148m to 154m, whilst the diamond holes were all drilled to a downhole depth of 202m. Excellent core recovery was achieved from the diamond drilling, commencing from surface to the end of the hole (announced 15 May 2024 and 28 May 2024).

 

Methodology to Determine the Grade and Tonnage Range for the Exploration Target

 

Snowden Optiro, a leading Australian based, mineral resources consulting and advisory group, completed the QA/QC and geological modelling required in order to develop the JORC Exploration Target for the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral prospects.

 

Preparation of the Exploration Target involved the integration of multiple datasets, providing differing levels of confidence. Accordingly, different techniques have been used to calculate the volume, tonnage and grade estimates of the mineralisation, appropriate to different types of information available.

 

Volume (Tonnage) Estimates

Volume estimates were calculated using the drillhole data from RC and diamond drilling generated over the three drilling programmes. Due to the homogeneous and continuous nature of the mineralisation throughout Pitfield a spacing of up to 1km between drill lines and up to 600m between holes is justified. Wireframing of grade shells and geology was carried out in Leapfrog.

 

Surface mapping and extensive rock chip sampling has provided a more detailed understanding of the geology and extents of the mineralisation.  It has also led to a better understanding of the nature of the strongly weathered zone that acts as a surficial cap across the Cosgrove and Thomas mineral prospects and more broadly the overall mineral system as outlined by the magnetics anomaly. However, the Exploration Target has primarily been generated based on the drill data over the three drilling programmes.

​

Density

Density measurements were taken on core from four diamond holes, two at the Cosgrove Prospect and two at the Thomas Prospect. A total of 16 density samples were collected at various depths downhole from the shallower, strongly weathered zone and from the fresh bedrock zone below.

Density has been estimated at 2.23 g/cm3 for the weathered zone sandstone  and 3.10 g/cm3 for the fresh bedrock sandstone.

 

TiO₂ Grade Estimates

Grades of TiO₂ were determined by Intertek Minerals using a four acid digestion followed by an ICP OES instrumental analytical technique for over range (>2% TiO₂).

 

A range of the TiO₂ grade was calculated based on all assay results from drilling within the modelled bodies of mineralisation for both Cosgrove and Thomas Prospects, generally with a cut-off grade of 2% TiO₂, resulting in an average grade in the range of 4.5 - 5.5% TiO₂.

 

Analysis of the assay data within the Exploration Target areas highlighted that 2% TiO₂ was a natural and appropriate cut-off grade to be used in the estimation.

 

Depth and Area

The Exploration Target has been modelled to a vertical depth of 150m based on the final depths of the majority of the RC and Diamond holes drilled with the target area.

 

Steeply ENE-dipping mineralised beds at both the Cosgrove and Thomas prospects are open at depth, as all holes drilled ended in mineralisation, as well as along strike to both the north and south of both prospect areas.  The thickness of the bedded mineralisation can also be considered open as drilling across the mineralised zone has not closed this off. Any increase in the Exploration Target outside the current modelled areas would need to be supported by additional drilling and grade analysis.

 

Variance

The variance used within the Exploration Target results is based on the geological mapping and consequent interpretation of host geology, rock chip sampling, drill data and 3D modelling methodology used to define the Exploration Target. As the mineralisation and geology is extremely consistent and continuous across the project area drilled to date, it is possible to apply a variance to the modelled tonnes and grade for each the weathered zone, and the fresh bedrock zone and, in addition, to their combination.

 

Pathway to a Mineral Resource Estimate

The proposed exploration activities designed to test and to move from an Exploration Target to a Mineral Resource Estimate will comprise the following activities:

 

RC and Diamond Core Drilling Campaigns

Exploration and resource definition drilling is planned to continue at the Project, with diamond core and RC rigs planned to operate later in 2024 and early 2025 to complete the drill-out within the Exploration Target and upgrade the mineralisation to JORC Mineral Resource status.

 

Landowner and Aboriginal Heritage Clearance

Access agreements have previously been negotiated with the various landowners whose properties are impacted by the Exploration Target area.

 

Aboriginal Heritage surveys are also required to gain access to the Exploration Target areas and these are conducted on an ongoing basis with representatives of the Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (ILUA: Yamatji Nation Agreement WI2020/002). The Company obtains clearance for each drill campaign, as such further Heritage Monitoring and/or Surveys are planned as part of continued exploration activities within the Exploration Target areas.

 

Approvals

Approvals of Programs of Work required for exploration drilling to evaluate the Exploration Target, have been obtained, however these approvals will require updating to support future drill holes on closer spacing to continue to advance the Exploration Target towards a Mineral Resource Estimate.

 

Exploration Licences

The Exploration Target areas are located within granted Exploration Licences E70/5876 and E70/5465. The Company also holds adjacent Exploration Licences E70/6320 and E70/6323. No further Exploration Licences are required to be granted.

 

Metallurgical test work

Mineralogical and metallurgical studies are underway on bulk metallurgical samples, collected from the diamond core recovered from DD23TOM001 and DD24COS002. The bulk samples are representative of the fresh bedded sandstone hosted mineralisation and the near-surface, strongly weathered zone of mineralisation. This testwork programme will include ore characterisation as well as testing of various unit processes for mineral separation and titanium extraction from the minerals.

 

Mineral Resource Estimate

The Company will engage a suitably qualified professional consultant to assist with the completion of a Mineral Resource Estimate. The consultant will be responsible for preparation of the Mineral Resource Estimate, consistent with the requirements of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves 2012 (the "JORC Code") or the JORC Code that is in effect as at the date of publication of the Mineral Resource Estimate.

 

The Pitfield Project

Located within the Mid-West region of Western Australia, near the northern wheatbelt town of Three Springs, Pitfield lies 313km north of Perth and 156km south of Geraldton, the Mid West region's capital and major port. Western Australia is ranked as one of the top mining jurisdictions in the world according to the Fraser Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index published in 2023, and has mining-friendly policies, stable government, transparency, and advanced technology expertise. Pitfield has existing connections to port (both road & rail), HV power substations, and is nearby to natural gas pipelines as well as a green energy hydrogen fuel hub, which is under planning and development (refer Figure 6).

​

Figure 6. Pitfield Project Location showing the Mid-West Region Infrastructure and Services.

 

Competent Person Statement

The technical information in this report that relates to the Exploration Target for the Pitfield Project has been compiled by Mr Andrew Faragher, an employee of Eclipse Exploration Pty Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire. Mr Faragher is a Member of the Australian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr Faragher has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves'. Mr Faragher assumes responsibility for matters related to Section 1 and Section 2 of the appended JORC Table 1. Mr Faragher consents to the inclusion in this release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears.

 

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, as incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, until the release of this announcement.

 

**ENDS**

 

 

 

For further information please visit www.empiremetals.co.uk  or contact:

Empire Metals Ltd Shaun Bunn / Greg Kuenzel / Arabella Burwell	Tel: [phone]
S. P. Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nomad & Broker) Ewan Leggat / Adam Cowl / Kasia Brzozowska	Tel: [phone]
Shard Capital Partners LLP (Joint Broker) Damon Heath	Tel: [phone]
St Brides Partners Ltd (Financial PR)                                          Susie Geliher / Charlotte Page	Tel: [phone]

 

About Empire Metals Limited

Empire Metals is an AIM-listed (LON: EEE) exploration and resource development company with a project portfolio comprising copper, titanium and gold interests in Australia and Austria.

The Company's strategy is to develop a pipeline of projects at different stages in the development curve. Its current focus is on the Pitfield Project in Western Australia, which has demonstrated to contain a newly recognised giant titanium-rich mineral system that hosts a globally significant titanium discovery.

The Company also has two further exploration projects in Australia; the Eclipse Project and the Walton Project in Western Australia, in addition to three precious metals projects located in a historically high-grade gold producing region of Austria.

 

 

JORC Code, 2012 Edition - Table 1

 

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

(Criteria in this section apply to all succeeding sections.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Sampling techniques	·    Nature and quality of sampling (eg cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. ·    Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. ·    Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. ·    In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (eg 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay'). In other cases more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (eg submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information.	·    Reverse circulation samples were collected directly from an RC drill using a cone splitter at 2m intervals. ·    Diamond core samples were taken from the diamond core (PQ, HQ and NQ) that was sawn in half and then one half cut for assay samples and metallurgical samples. Samples were taken based on the geological logging of the drill holes. ·    Sample preparation was undertaken at Intertek Minerals laboratory in Maddington WA, where the samples received were sorted and dried. Primary preparation for diamond core samples, crush each sample in its entirety to 3mm. RC samples were primarily crushed to 3mm. Larger volume samples (>5kg) were split with a riffle splitter. All samples were pulverised via robotic pulveriser. Internal screen sizing QAQC is done at 90% passing 75um. A 4-acid digest was used and samples were analysed by ICPMS for 48 elements. ·    Assay values over 2% Ti were re-assayed for elevated Ti using 4-acid digest and ICP OES ·    The techniques are considered a total digest for all relevant minerals.
Drilling techniques	·    Drill type (eg core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (eg core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).	·    Diamond drilling techniques varied dependent on which phase of drilling, during phase 2 rock rollers were used at the top of hole until competent rock intersected and HQ sized core was drilled (63.5mm diameter) to a depth of approximately 100m and then NQ2 sized core was drilled (50.6mm diameter) to the bottom of the hole. ·    Drilling in Phase 2 employed PQ size core (83mm diameter) from surface to obtain core for geological, geochemical and metallurgical samples, Once PQ core hit competent bedrock HQ size core was drilled to the bottom of the hole. ·    Where reverse circulation drilling techniques were employed holes were drilled from surface using a nominal 140mm face sampling RC drill bit.
Drill sample recovery	·    Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. ·    Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. ·    Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material.	·    Diamond core was reconstructed into continuous runs. Depths were measured from the core barrel and checked against marked depths on the core blocks. Core recoveries are very high with >95% of the drill core having recoveries of >99% ·    RC sample quality was monitored by the onsite geologist. The sampling methodology from the rig was consistent throughout the drilling program. ·    Overall high drill sample recoveries limit the potential to introduce any sample bias. No known sample bias is thought to be associated with the drill sample recovery.
Logging	·    Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. ·    Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. ·    The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged.	·    Detailed diamond drill core logging was carried out, recording weathering, lithology, alteration, mineralisation, structure, mineralogy. Drill core logging is qualitative. Drill core was photographed, wet and dry in core trays prior to sampling. Core from the entire drill hole was logged. ·    Detailed RC drill chip logging of each entire drill hole was carried out, recording weathering, lithology, alteration, veining, mineralisation and mineralogy. RC logging is qualitative. RC chips were collected in chip trays. ·    Rock chips were collected as part of a detailed surface geological mapping program. Qualitative field logging of the rocks is completed in the field including assessment of weathering, lithology, alteration, veining, mineralisation and mineralogy.
Sub-sampling techniques and sample preparation	·    If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. ·    If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. ·    For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. ·    Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. ·    Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. ·    Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled.	·    Diamond core samples are taken from diamond drill core (PQ, HQ or NQ2) that is sawn into halves and one half into quarters. Sample intervals are determined according to the geology logged in the drill holes. ·    Reverse Circulation samples were collected directly from an RC drill rig using a cone splitter at 2m intervals. A split of each interval was sampled directly into a calico sample bag. ·    Rock chips were collected from outcrops. Field geologists selected samples that best represented the geology of the deposit. ·    Sample preparation was undertaken at Intertek Minerals laboratory in Maddington, where the samples received were sorted and dried. Primary preparation for diamond core samples crushes each sample in its entirety to 3mm. RC samples were primarily crushed to 3mm. Larger samples (>5kg) were split with a riffle splitter and all samples were pulverised via robotic pulveriser. Internal screen sizing QAQC is done at 90% passing 75um. A 4-acid digest was used and samples were analysed by ICPMS for 48 elements. ·    Assay values over 2% Ti were re-assayed for elevated Ti using 4-acid digest and ICP OES ·    The techniques are considered a total digest for all relevant minerals.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests	·    The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. ·    For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. ·    Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established.	·    Diamond core and RC samples underwent sample preparation at Intertek Minerals laboratory in Maddington WA. ·    A 4-acid digest was used and samples were analysed by ICPMS for 48 elements. ·    Assay values over 2% Ti were re-assayed for elevated Ti using 4-acid digest and ICP OES ·    The techniques are considered a total digest for all relevant minerals. ·    Certified analytical standards were inserted every 25 samples for diamond and RC samples. 4 duplicates were inserted every 100 samples for RC samples. All QAQC samples display results within acceptable levels of accuracy and precision.
Verification of sampling and assaying	·    The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. ·    The use of twinned holes. ·    Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. ·    Discuss any adjustment to assay data.	·    Senior technical personnel from the Company (Exploration Manager) logged and verified significant intersections. ·    Primary data was collected by employees and contractors at the project site. All measurements and observations were recorded digitally and entered into the Company's database. Data verification and validation is checked upon entry into the database. ·    Digital data storage is managed by the company at its offices in Perth. ·    No adjustments or calibrations have been made to any assay data.
Location of data points	·    Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. ·    Specification of the grid system used. ·    Quality and adequacy of topographic control.	·    Drill hole collar locations are surveyed using handheld GPS with the expected relative accuracy of 4m for easting, northing, and elevation coordinates. Collar locations are recorded in the database. ·    The grid system used is GDA94. ·    Downhole surveys were completed every 30 m a Reflex Ez-GyroN after completion of drilling. Downhole azimuth and dip data is recorded in the database. ·    Rock chip sample locations are determined by handheld GPS with and accuracy of approximately 4m.
Data spacing and distribution	·    Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. ·    Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. ·    Whether sample compositing has been applied.	·    This release reports on drill holes which are not considered sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for a Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation. ·    Rock chip sample spacing has been determined solely by geological mapping and no grade continuity is implied. ·    No sample compositing has been applied to reported exploration results
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure	·    Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. ·    If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material.	·    The orientation of the drilling is not considered to have introduced sampling bias due to the highly homogeneous nature of the deposit.
Sample security	·    The measures taken to ensure sample security.	·    Diamond core samples were collected and placed in calico sample bags pre-printed with a unique sample ID at Empire Metals core facility in Three Springs. Calico bags were placed in a poly weave bag and cabled tied closed at the top. ·    RC samples were collected directly from the drill rig in calico sample bags which are pre-printed with a unique sample number. Calico bags were placed in a poly weave bag and cabled-tied closed at the top. Poly weave bags were transported back to Empire Metals core facility in Three Springs and stored there before transport to Perth. ·    Rock chip samples were placed in numbered calico bags which were placed in a poly weave bag and cabled tied closed at the top. Poly weave bags were transported back to Empire Metals core facility in Three Springs and stored there before transport to Perth. ·    Poly weave sample bags were transported to Intertek Minerals, Maddington WA. Samples were shipped using Empire vehicles or using transport haulage from Geraldton for larger sample dispatches.
Audits or reviews	·    The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data.	·    No audits or reviews have been conducted in relation to the current drilling program.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)

Criteria	JORC Code explanation	Commentary
Mineral tenement and land tenure status	·    Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. ·    The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area.	·    Exploration Licences E70/5465, E70/5876, E70/6320 and E70/6323 are held in a Joint Venture between Eclipse Exploration Pty Ltd (70%) a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Metals Ltd and Century Minerals Pty Ltd (30%). ·    The project is centred 310km north of Perth and 150km southeast of Geraldton, WA. The tenement area is approximately 1,000km2 in area. ·    Native flora assessments using the WA Governments Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions flora database were completed to identify priority flora species that should be avoided when carrying out exploration. ·    There are 2 nature reserves within the tenement package totalling 37 km2. ·    The tenements sit within the Yamatji Southern Corporation determined land area. There are only 2 registered sites within the main areas of interest. ·    The tenements are kept in good standing with all regulatory approvals having been met. There are no known impediments to operate in the area
Exploration done by other parties	·          Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties.	·    Between the years 1966-1993 Kennecott, Carpentaria (MIM), BHP and CRA explored for sediment hosted copper deposits in the Pitfield Project area. ·    Kennecott (1966) completed surface geochemistry and drilled 10 diamond holes in the vicinity of Baxter's which intersected strongly anomalous copper just outside the Pitfield licence. ·    Carpentaria Exploration (MIM) in early 1980's, again focussed their exploration work close the Baxter's mine and adjacent areas towards Arrino, and completed 460 shallow RAB holes over or immediately adjacent to the current Pitfield licence to the SSE of Baxter's. Carpentaria identified maximum copper values exceeding 1000ppm, with a further 44 holes exceeding 500ppm copper. The work defined a clear 2,500m NNW-SSE copper anomalous trend partly on the Pitfield licence and open to the south and east. ·    Carpentaria drilled 4 diamond holes which returned strongly anomalous copper including in DH3a, the only hole collared on Pitfield, which returned numerous values exceeding 500ppm up to 1280 ppm Cu with fracture controlled and disseminated native copper and chalcopyrite observed. ·    BHP (1984) completed shallow RAB and 4 stratigraphic diamond holes successfully testing the western contact of the Yandanooka basin with basement Mullingarra gneiss. BHP failed to intersect any significant metal anomalism. In addition, BHP completed several lines of IP geophysics over the drilled area. ·    CRA (1993) completed soil sampling, auger sampling building on the work of Carpentaria and 2 diamond holes, the southern hole being located on the Pitfield licence recording moderate copper anomalism with a maximum value of 570ppm (4m composite samples of chipped drill core) associated with fracture-controlled malachite and minor native copper. The auger work defined a significant Cu anomaly (plus Ag) over some 7km strike length. ·    No other significant exploration happened between 1993 and 2022.
Geology	·    Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation.	·    This is a globally unique stratabound sediment hosted hydrothermally altered titanium deposit. The titanium mineralisation is found within the sediments of the Yandanooka Basin which is located about 350km northeast of Perth.  The basin margin in the west is the Mullingarra Complex and in the east the Darling Range, it is interpreted to be Neoproterozoic in age. ·    The basin fill comprises of coarse to fine grained sandstones, conglomerates and siltstones with the basin interpreted to be 9km thick.  The basin is inverted with beds dipping 45-55º to the southeast, no major faulting is evident in the basin from mapping. ·    The titanium mineralisation is associated predominantly with titanite and minor ilmenite.  The mineralisation is associated with a hydrothermal event that altered the host sediments and produced an alteration assemblage dominated by titanite, epidote, carbonate and chlorite.  The rocks have undergone another later hydrothermal event which has brought in significant hematite. ·    The mineralisation is completely stratabound and the best mineralisation is found within the coarser sandstones due to the increase in pore space and incipient permeability.
Drill hole Information	·    A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar o dip and azimuth of the hole o down hole length and interception depth o hole length. ·    If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case.	Hole_ID Easting Northing RL Total Depth Dip Azimuth DD23COS001 370715 6738050 320 400.4 -61.94 236.02 DD23MTS001 368985 6753785 280 408.4 -60.18 252.92 DD23TOM001 373435 6726485 280 408.5 -60.57 268.41 DD24COS002 369845 6738623 303 201.9 -60.12 270.9 DD24COS003 369670 6739127 296 201.8 -60.14 270.46 DD24TOM002 374175 6727216 299 201.8 -60.21 269.55 DD24TOM003 373307 6726036 281 201.8 -60.96 270.55 RC23COS001 372060 6739000 325 22 -60 270 RC23COS002 373243 6737708 303 96 -61.48 271.49 RC23COS003 373811 6737631 301 70 -60 270 RC23COS004 369441 6738618 299 154 -59.52 268.86 RC23COS005 369728 6738815 289 154 -60 270 RC23COS006 370118 6738850 298 154 -60 270 RC23COS007 370383 6738869 301 154 -59.73 268.18 RC23COS008 371179 6737957 332 154 -60.74 269.5 RC23COS009 369647 6737881 322 154 -59.59 271.01 RC23COS010 369799 6737456 320 154 -60 270 RC23COS011 370389 6738005 333 154 -60 270 RC23COS012 372065 6738992 326 154 -60 270 RC23COS013 371359 6741021 315 148 -60.38 273.64 RC23COS014 372200 6741309 314 148 -60.36 273.34 RC23KAD001 371365 6731838 350 148 -60.7 271.4 RC23KAD002 371769 6731707 337 148 -60.26 273.44 RC23KAD003 372356 6731701 322 118 -59.39 275.26 RC23KAD004 372207 6728859 311 148 -60.63 270.47 RC23KAD005 371765 6728857 323 148 -62.04 268.05 RC23KAD006 371390 6728854 318 148 -60 270 RC23KAD007 372287 6730504 333 148 -60.56 273.27 RC23KAD008 371949 6730455 345 148 -60.65 270.89 RC23MTS001 368855 6753764 283 196 -60.86 268 RC23MTS002 368937 6753793 284 178 -61.58 268.35 RC23MTS003 369019 6753803 275 178 -61.75 272.52 RC23MTS004 368623 6753800 274 178 -60.58 270.9 RC23MTS005 368701 6753801 281 156 -61.62 271.49 RC23MTS006 368783 6753802 287 160 -61.85 268.82 RC23MTS007 368913 6753741 282 154 -61.27 47.26 RC23MTS008 368959 6753592 278 148 -61.54 269.82 RC23MTS009 368711 6753997 272 154 -59.58 273.42 RC23MTS010 368331 6753802 271 154 -60.77 270.3 RC23MTS011 368400 6753798 263 154 -59.91 271.97 RC23MTS012 368354 6752912 287 154 -59.55 268.7 RC23MTS013 368799 6752250 320 154 -60 274.67 RC23MTS014 368887 6752250 316 154 -60.93 273.61 RC23MTS015 369231 6752250 308 154 -61.12 273.57 RC23MTS016 368920 6751602 311 154 -58.82 270.67 RC23MTS017 369233 6751605 310 154 -61.1 271.41 RC23MTS018 369401 6751606 305 154 -59.87 272.97 RC23MTS019 369944 6750567 300 148 -60.12 268.89 RC23MTS020 369236 6750117 324 148 -61.48 267.67 RC23MTS021 369778 6750448 307 66 -60.66 248.11 RC23MTS022 369749 6750443 308 76 -61.56 244.16 RC23MUT001 371650 6746200 307 148 -61.42 277.25 RC23MUT002 370884 6743806 344 148 -60.72 271.65 RC23MUT003 371587 6743854 333 148 -60.42 272.97 RC23MUT004 372239 6744133 317 142 -60.48 271.8 RC23MUT005 371649 6745401 296 148 -60.47 267.28 RC23MUT006 371127 6746202 320 128 -60.82 273.9 RC23TOM001 373440 6726500 280 148 -61.32 270.328 RC23TOM002 373214 6726484 278 180 -55 270 RC23TOM003 373070 6726937 293 180 -55 270 RC23TOM004 373836 6726664 281 154 -60 270 RC23TOM005 374171 6727169 288 154 -60 270 RC23TOM006 374700 6726657 276 154 -60 270 RC23TOM007 374310 6726651 276 154 -60 270 RC23TOM008 374675 6727103 274 154 -60 270 RC23TOM009 374944 6725415 266 142 -60 270 RC23TOM010 374715 6725386 271 148 -60 270 RC23TOM011 373691 6725855 272 144 -61.26 274.81 RC24COS015 369852 6740326 340 148 -72.08 272.89 RC24COS016 370095 6739746 333 148 -71.32 270.64 RC24COS017 369812 6739643 322 148 -69.03 269.01 RC24COS018 369445 6739556 317 148 -69.69 273.41 RC24COS019 369895 6738264 316 148 -69.35 269.51 RC24COS020 370258 6738318 312 148 -70.26 270.78 RC24COS021 370629 6738361 285 148 -71 271.42 RC24COS022 370507 6737510 331 148 -70.92 272.52 RC24COS023 371037 6737505 339 148 -70.73 272.04 RC24COS024 370347 6736595 324 148 -70.18 268.86 RC24COS025 371401 6736574 312 148 -70.31 273.11 RC24COS026 370776 6735770 328 150 -70.33 268.54 RC24COS027 371546 6735757 309 150 -70.87 269.49 RC24COS028 371923 6735766 315 154 -70.63 269.22 RC24COS029 373222 6733611 284 154 -70.13 271.5 RC24COS030 372291 6733611 306 154 -70.08 273.81 RC24COS031 371255 6734645 348 154 -71.37 272.12 RC24COS032 371875 6734617 318 154 -71.13 269.95 RC24COS033 373358 6735814 300 154 -70.27 268.97 RC24COS034 372780 6734632 320 154 -69.31 270.47 RC24HYN001 373358 6740408 306 154 -70.19 270.08 RC24TOM012 375491 6720393 300 154 -70.31 271.6 RC24TOM013 374903 6720384 291 154 -70.68 268.91 RC24TOM014 375019 6721403 277 154 -71.88 272.04 RC24TOM015 374195 6722453 288 154 -71.69 270.58 RC24TOM016 374818 6722464 292 154 -71.49 270.64 RC24TOM017 374538 6723753 277 154 -70.07 270.68 RC24TOM018 374090 6723708 286 154 -70.67 268.43 RC24TOM019 374239 6724317 296 154 -70.81 268.42 RC24TOM020 373649 6723472 285 154 -67.81 266.94 RC24TOM021 373699 6724326 308 154 -70.22 270.47 RC24TOM022 373329 6724796 308 154 -70.8 270.9 RC24TOM023 373639 6724978 301 154 -70.05 272.26 RC24TOM024 373512 6725562 289 154 -69.57 268.64 RC24TOM025 374129 6725497 289 154 -79.91 271.8 RC24TOM026 374179 6725039 292 154 -70.4 278.7 RC24TOM027 373785 6727186 293 154 -70.32 269.71 RC24TOM028 373851 6726206 269 154 -71.54 271.42 RC24TOM029 373063 6727257 315 154 -69.9 272.66 RC24TOM030 372871 6727570 314 154 -69.99 88.11 ·
Data aggregation methods	·    In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (eg cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. ·    Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. ·    The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated.	·    No data aggregation techniques have been applied
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths	·    These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. ·    If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. ·    If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (eg 'down hole length, true width not known').	·    The drilling at Pitfield has intersected TiO2 mineralisation in every hole that has intercepted bedrock and every hole has finished in mineralisation. The nature of the alteration and mineralisation means that the entire core of the basin has been altered and mineralised to an unknown depth. Drilling is yet to confirm the width or strike extents of the mineralisation. ·    The true width thickness of the mineralisation cannot be reported as the extents of the mineralisation are currently unknown after more than 108 drill holes.
Diagrams	·    Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views.	·    Please refer to figures within the text and previous Empire Metals AIM announcements.
Balanced reporting	·    Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results.	·    The Company believes that the AIM announcement is a balanced report with all material results reported.
Other substantive exploration data	·    Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.	·    Everything meaningful and material is disclosed in the body of the report. Geological observations have been factored into the report and can also be found in previous Empire Metals Ltd AIM announcements
Further work	·    The nature and scale of planned further work (eg tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). ·    Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive.	·    Exploration activities will be designed so the Exploration Target can be upgraded to a Mineral Resource Estimate, this will comprise of RC and Diamond Core Drilling Campaigns within the next 12 months. ·    An initial RC drill programme will be carried out on a close spaced N-S and E-W pattern to determine the variography and consequently the drill spacing required for mineral resource drilling and subsequent modelling ·    As the mineralisation is open in all directions, as the extents are still unknown, there is no need to provide additional diagrams depicting where the potential extents of mineralisation could be.

 

 

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