Drill testing of geophysical anomalies at AusQuest’s Table Hill Project in Western Australia has highlighted at least three new target areas as having good potential for additional manganese mineralization.

Further areas may become evident once new modelling results are available.

Table Hill is 200km east of Newman and within the Western Officer Basin sediments. The geophysical anomalies were originally thought to reflect nickel sulphide targets but the extensive flat-lying EM targets now represent priority targets for manganese following the significant results received from the initial drilling programme.

Drill-hole THD01 intersected 3.9m of high-grade manganese mineralization at a depth of 286.8m with an average grade of 47.5% manganese, which is similar to that being mined by producers in Australia and South Africa at open cut and underground operations.

The manganese mineralization is massive in nature with low impurity levels of iron and phosphorous. The mineralization is hosted by a flat-lying, highly oxidized sedimentary package of sandstones and mudstones with lesser amounts of siltstone and conglomerate. Clay alteration over a thickness of above 24m occurs above the manganese and is believed to form an integral part of the mineralizing system.

The results of downhole electromagnetic surveys within the drill-hole confirmed that the manganese-rich layer is the cause of the anomaly, suggesting that the manganese mineralization could extend over an area in excess of 18sqkm.

In light of these significant results, AusQuest has submitted tenement applications covering about 5000sqkm to secure title over areas believed to be prospective for manganese.

An extensive drilling program is planned to start in late April or early May to test the continuity and grade of manganese mineralization to the north of THD01 where the EM data suggest the mineralization may be shallower.

AusQuest has a diversified portfolio of base metal and precious metal, and bulk

commodity projects spread across Australia. The company’s exploration strategy is to target the discovery of major new deposits and new mineral provinces.

www.ausquest.com.au