Date: Nov 23, 2018
As part of its strategy to fast-track exploration at its flagship SPD vanadium project in South Africa, Tando Resources (ASX: TNO) has flown the fourth drill rig into the project, with this latest rig destined to test the high-grade vanadium pipes where the company is hoping to firm up a near-term direct shipping ore (DSO) operation.
The heliborne drill rig was mobilised to the Cluster 5 target, where the highest-grade vanadium was uncovered during previous surface sampling.
During the sampling campaign earlier this year, Tando collected 20 samples from 12 vanadium pipes, which lie within a 3km radius of the project’s primary deposit.
Seven of those collected revealed insitu, whole rock grades in excess of 2% vanadium pentoxide, including 2.08% vanadium pentoxide and 2.02% vanadium pentoxide.
The fourth rig will now test the target to determine its viability before Tando commits funding for constructing road infrastructure to the area.
This latest exploration follows the company’s recently completed drilling at the Cluster 1 vanadium pipe target.
Assays are expected in the coming weeks from the initial program that totalled 13 holes.
Tando managing director Bill Oliver said the high-grade vanadium pipes offer the company “an outstanding opportunity at SPD”.
“The existing vanadium deposit is, by itself, highly attractive by global standards due to its grade and size. But these high-grade pipes could boost the viability even further,” Mr Oliver said previously.
