Adelaide, Sep 12, 2006 AEST (ABN Newswire) - West Australian Metals Ltd (ASX: WME) is pleased to report that the first phase of a program of systematic radiometry and channel sampling of trenches, and surface rock chip sampling of new uranium mineralised areas, has been completed within its Marenica Joint Venture Uranium Project in Namibia. The program was aimed at confirming new and known uranium bearing areas and identifying potentially higher grade zones for future exploration including drilling.
The radiometry and sampling program has confirmed the company's view that, in addition to the known Anomalies 1 to 4, extensive zones of near surface uranium mineralisation may be buried below the sand cover in the vicinity of Anomaly 4 and further west along the palaeochannel. Radiometry and channel sampling was undertaken in seven trenches and one pit excavated in three of four major Anomalies by previous companies in the 1970's to early 1980's. All three Anomalies (No.'s 2, 3 and 4) are rated highly for the delineation of near surface uranium resources.
The average depth of the trenches is 1 to 1.5 metres with trenches varying in length from 35 metres to 425 metres. The trenches were radiometrically surveyed using an Exploranium GR-110G scintillometer with readings on a 1 metre x 1 metre grid, in order to map uranium anomalism and zones of potential higher grade mineralisation.
Strong radiometric zones (greater than 3 times background) were detected in 6 of the 7 trenches surveyed. Significantly, the highest readings were reported in two trenches over Anomaly 4 where the palaeochannel is largely concealed by recent sediment cover. Off -scale readings (greater than 10,000 cps) were detected in trench A4T4 and in a 2 metre deep pit (A4T3) at the bottom of trench A4T2.
A total of 260 channel samples were collected. Each channel sample represented a continuous chip sample along a 5 metre length of the trench wall. The walls of pit A4T3 were sampled along 3 metre intervals. A total length of 1,292 metres was sampled. The samples have been sent to a laboratory in South Africa for uranium analysis.
A first rock chip sampling program was also completed over two new uranium mineralised areas identified during a reconnaissance survey in May and June, 2006. The new areas are centred 8 km and 25 km west of Anomaly 4 and lie on, or proximal to, the Marenica Palaeochannel system which is interpreted to extend east - west across the entire exploration licence (EPL3287).
A total of 211 surface chip samples were taken over the new target zones comprising a total area of around 4 sq. km. Visible surface uranium mineralisation in the form of carnotite was observed at numerous locations associated with strongly fractured basement rocks, calcrete and gypcrete. Scintillometer readings for the samples collected ranged from 130 cps up to 710 cps. All samples have been dispatched to a South African laboratory for assay.
Further sampling, mapping and radiometric surveying of trenches and surface anomalies is to recommence shortly. Location and assessment of historical exploration reports is also progressing. The results of this work will assist in the planning of additional exploration programs to be conducted in the near future.
Contact
Kevin Skinner
Senior Consultant
FIELD PUBLIC RELATIONS
231 South Road
MILE END SA 5031
Tel: (08) 8234 9555
Fax: (08) 8234 9566
Mob: 0414 822 631
kevin@fieldpr.com.au
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