Operations

Geology

The host unit of the Copernicus nickel sulphide deposit is the layered mafic-ultramafic Copernicus Intrusion. The intrusion, which has an overall gabbroic composition, is enveloped by amphibole rich meta-sediments and para-gneisses of the Tickalara Metamorphics. It outcrops as a lens-shaped body with maximum dimensions of 600 metres along strike by 100 metres thick. It dips moderately to the west and has a pronounced northward plunge of approximately 40 degrees.

Sulphide rich nickel, copper and cobalt mineralisation at Copernicus is confined to a discreet cumulate-textured meta-pyroxenite unit located within the Copernicus Intrusion. The pyroxenite unit is lens-shaped and dips west and plunges north with the Copernicus Intrusion. The sulphide mineralisation is preferentially developed at the northern end of the pyroxenite unit where it forms sulphide-bearing cumulates rich in pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite-pentlandite and pyrite. Sulphide textures vary from net (matrix) textured mineralisation containing 5-10% sulphides to coarse-grained blebs and massive sulphide-rich stringer mineralisation, containing upwards of 50-70% sulphide. The mineralised pyroxenite has a maximum thickness of 35 metres and a down dip extent of between 100-150 metres. The down-plunge (strike) dimension to the north has been drilled over a strike length of 750 metres.