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 in apparent synchronicity 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.