Catalina Resources (ASX: CTN) Diamond Drilling at Rock Lodge Highlights Gold Mineralisation and Sulphide Rich Zones

Key Highlights:

• Two diamond drill holes (351m total) completed at the Rock Lodge Project, NSW.
• Broad zones of quartz-sulphide veining and brecciation intersected.
• Initial findings suggest late-stage brittle deformation event linked to gold mineralisation.
• Laboratory assays pending; results expected in 8 weeks.

Catalina Resources Unveils Encouraging Visual Results from Rock Lodge Drilling

Catalina Resources Ltd (ASX: CTN) has made significant progress at its Rock Lodge Project, nestled within the Lachlan Fold Belt, NSW. The company recently completed two diamond drill holes, designed to probe deeper into the promising gold mineralisation zones identified in previous reverse circulation (RC) drilling.

Drilling Program Insights

Catalina Resources Ltd (ASX: CTN) has successfully completed its latest diamond drilling program at the Rock Lodge Project, located in the highly prospective Lachlan Fold Belt in New South Wales. Designed to build upon previous exploration success, the drilling program aimed to investigate gold mineralization associated with quartz-sulphide veins identified in prior shallow reverse circulation (RC) drilling.

The program comprised two diamond drill holes (SRLRCD001 and SRLRCD002), reaching a total depth of 351m. Early observations indicate broad zones of hydrothermal alteration, offering exciting potential for gold and base metal discoveries.

Drilling Results: Promising Alteration and Sulphide Veining

The diamond drilling program has unveiled significant geological features, including:

• Alteration Zones: Extensive zones of hydrothermal alteration with sulphide and quartz-sulphide veining.
• Sulphide Minerals: Identified pyrite, pyrrhotite, and minor base metal sulphides such as chalcopyrite, galena, and sphalerite.
• Structural Insights: Evidence suggests the gold mineralization is linked to a late-stage brittle deformation event, pointing to an active and complex mineralizing system.

Further intrigue is added by copper and bismuth previously identified in RC drill assays, hinting at a potential connection to an intrusive source at depth. Such findings significantly enhance the project’s exploration potential.

Source: $CTN ASX Announcement

Source: $CTN ASX Announcement

Encouraging Visual Observations

Catalina’s Executive Chairman, Sanjay Loyalka, commented on the promising visual results:
“The visual results from the drilling are very encouraging, with broad intervals of alteration and quartz-sulphide veining logged. These findings are an important step in understanding the system’s potential.”

Next Steps

The diamond cores are now undergoing cutting and sampling at 1-meter intervals. These samples are being prepared for laboratory analysis in Orange, NSW, targeting gold, base metals, and other multi-elements. With results expected in approximately eight weeks, the company is planning follow-up exploration activities.

Catalina anticipates an induced polarisation (IP) survey to delineate mineralisation in the basalt-covered zones to the north. This would provide clearer insights into the continuity and depth potential of the system.

Rock Lodge Project: A Key Asset in the Lachlan Fold Belt

The Rock Lodge Project covers 163 square kilometers and is situated 35 km south of Cooma. The area is prospective for Intrusion-Related Gold Systems (IRGS) and has shown potential for high-grade gold mineralisation. Previous RC drilling campaigns highlighted a mineralised envelope featuring polymetallic sulphides, including gold, bismuth, and copper, with promising grades.

The broader Lachlan Fold Belt is known for hosting world-class deposits, including Evolution Mining’s Lake Cowal Gold Mine and Newcrest’s Cadia Mine. Catalina’s recent drilling represents the first test of this system at depth, adding another layer of potential to this already promising prospect.

As of 20th November 2024, $CTN Shares are trading at A$ 0.003. 

For more details, please visit: https://www.catalinaresources.com.au/