URU ground survey refines additional targets at South African nickel project
Aim-listed URU Metals has provided a further update from the recently completed ground geophysics programme at its Zeb nickel project, in Limpopo, South Africa.
Following the confirmation of Target 1 as the company's priority follow-up target, URU says the final interpretation of the ground survey data over Target 2 has refined additional targets within the broader Zeb nickel feeder system.
Target 2 was selected as one of the priority airborne electromagnetic targets for ground follow-up.
The objective of the ground programme was to determine whether the airborne targets could be confirmed from surface, to improve target definition and to assist the company in ranking targets ahead of the next phase of drilling.
The Target 2 results show a more complex picture than Target 1, with the ground surveys also confirming underlying magnetic bodies associated with both the northern and southern Target 2 areas.
The company says it considers Target 2 to remain of geological interest, but as a secondary follow-up area behind Target 1.
The results will now be incorporated into the company's 3D geological model and ranked against the wider target pipeline at Zeb.
Target 2 was originally identified from the airborne Spectrem electromagnetic survey flown in 2025. The ground survey work has now provided a clearer understanding of the target area.
URU says the airborne magnetic data indicates that there are still distinct magnetic bodies below surface in both the northern and southern Target 2 areas. These features may represent ultramafic rocks or related geological bodies within the broader feeder system.
The company says it will, therefore, treat Target 2 as a follow-up area rather than a primary target.
Further work may include refined modelling, ground checking and possible scout drilling, depending on how Target 2 ranks against Target 1 and other targets across the project area.
WAY FORWARD
The company says it will now integrate the Target 1 results into the Zeb nickel 3D geological model and use the updated model to rank drill targets across the project.
URU says the next phase of drilling will remain flexible and will be designed to test the best-ranked targets across the project.
This may include both Platreef-style nickel/copper/platinum group element (PGE) targets and higher-grade massive sulphide targets associated with the interpreted feeder system.
Final drill-hole locations, depths and sequencing will be determined after the new ground geophysical data has been integrated into the 3D geological model.
URU says this approach is consistent with the company's stated work programme, which includes updating the Leapfrog 3D model, defining the number and position of drill holes, planning nickel/copper/PGE resource drilling in Zone 2, testing high-grade nickel targets in Zone 3 and drilling overlapping conductor and density anomalies.
Final drill-hole locations, depths and sequencing will be determined after completion of target ranking, land access planning and contractor engagement.
The company is sourcing and finalising drill contractors and looks forward to updating the market in due course once the contractor has been finalised.
URU exploration manager Richard Montjoie describes the Target 2 results as important because they help the company better understand and rank the wider target pipeline at Zeb nickel.
He says that, while this target is more complex than Target 1, the presence of underlying magnetic bodies means the area remains geologically interesting and will warrant follow-up testing.
He explains that this is why the company carried out the ground survey programme before drilling, noting that the work has helped URU reduce uncertainty, rank the targets and focus future capital on the strongest opportunities.
“Our broader exploration model remains unchanged. Zeb Nickel contains a large, underexplored feeder system, and previous drilling has already confirmed higher-grade sulphide mineralisation within this setting.
“The next step is to integrate the new data into our 3D model and design a flexible, staged drill programme focused on the best-ranked targets across the project,” says Montjoie.
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