Eva Project MLN 585 Annual report for period ending 31 December 2009

Abstract

The Lease is surrounded by the Waanyi-Garawa Aboriginal Land Trust. Between July and December 2009, field work commenced with a two week orientation visit to establish contact with local landowners, conduct a baseline soil survey, obtain basic geological data and gather logistical information for the drilling program that followed. During this visit, 132 soil data points on 50 x 50m centres were measured across the Lease with a Portable multi-element XRF (PXRF) unit. A geological map was produced and with the locations of historic drill holes transposed, a drilling program was designed to check the resource defined by BHP in 1959, and test for possible extensions. Prior to the drilling and disturbance of the site a baseline environmental assessment of the Lease was completed that showed that no species of conservation significances were observed and that the drilling program was unlikely to have a significant impact on populations of those species observed. Preparations for the drilling commenced in September and included access track rehabilitation and drill site excavations at Eva with 4 benches cut. The first hole was spudded on 20th October 2009 and the last hole was completed on 30th November 2009. A total of 50 holes were drilled for 2837.7m, comprising 40 RC holes for 2328m and 10 core holes for 509.7m. Holes are numbered EV001 to EV050 inclusive. A total of 1552 samples were assayed by ALS and comprised 1397 primary RC and core drill samples and 155 QC samples. This was followed by site rehabilitation and the last of the field party left site on 18th December 2009. During the drilling program, detailed geological mapping was undertaken and 58 bench samples were assayed. Several of the proposed holes planned to test for eastern extensions of the mineralisation were not drilled due to the onset of the wet season. A rigorous radiation management plan was put in place and maintained throughout the drilling campaign.