Annual and final report for Napplebar Yard EL 24961 for the period 5 October 2006 to 4 October 2013

Abstract

Given that the manganese in EL 24961 was only known from discontinuous outcrops in the two areas (Area 1 and Area 2) shallow percussion drilling was carried out on EL 24961 in December 2012 to determine whether the manganese extended to depth. Prior to the drilling programme, heritage and environmental surveys were completed. Five (5) holes comprising 324m with a maximum drilling depth of 97m were completed at Area 1 on 13 December 2012. All drill holes were angled back to the south as the manganese mineralization and sedimentary bedding dip to the north. The one exception was NYP12004, which was targeted at some cross-cutting manganese-rich veins. Only trace to minor amounts of sub-surface manganese were encountered in Area 1. There is a strong correlation between chert units and this manganese. The manganese does not appear to sit in a simple stratigraphic position relative to the outcrop where there is significant manganese and is probably a very minor component of chert veins which cut the existing geology at various geometries. The manganese at the outcrop has probably been mobilized by weathering to produce a larger footprint and also enriched. There does not appear to be a manganese resource at Area 1. Five (5) holes were completed at area 2 on the 14 December 2012. A total of 368m was completed. Holes were targeted to test for stratigraphic continuity of the exposed manganese mineralization and its sub-surface extent where it outcrops. There is no evidence of stratigraphic manganese at Area 2. Manganese appears to be confined to near where it is exposed with only minor sub surface expression. A section through NPY12008-009 shows no continuity of the manganese to depth. Only trace amounts of manganese were found along strike. The manganese at Area 2 is interpreted to be related to some localized siliceous (chert) alteration, but still similar to that Area 1. It does not appear that there is a manganese resource at Area 1 or 2. No significant sub surface manganese was encountered, so there does not appear to be any volume. The association with chert also suggests that manganese may not upgrade readily even if there was significant volume.