Dalaroo soil survey stretches WA copper-nickel target

Dalaroo Metals has expanded the footprint of its Watheroo copper-nickel-platinum group elements (PGE) prospect in Western Australia's mid-north wheatbelt, with initial-stage soil sampling extending a key copper anomaly by two square kilometres. The 106-sample program yielded notable results, including peak values of 284 parts per million (ppm) copper and 176 ppm nickel, alongside encouraging levels of up to 10 parts per billion for platinum, palladium and gold. These findings suggest a promising mineralisation signature beneath the surface, prompting further investigation. The latest results extend the copper-in-soil geochemical response southward beyond previous sampling zones, with the area enclosed by the 40ppm copper contour now spanning two square kilometres. Dalaroo noted a strong spatial correlation between these anomalies and mapped mafic-ultramafic rock formations, as well as a significant underlying magnetic feature. This supports the company's interpretation of a large-scale intrusive system, potentially hosting magmatic sulphide deposits similar to those found at Chalice Mining’s Julimar project. The Watheroo project lies on the western margin of the Yilgarn Craton, a geological region that gained attention following the discovery of the world-class Gonneville nickel-copper-PGE deposit at Julimar, located approximately 90 km to the south. That find triggered renewed interest in the craton margin, a zone historically overlooked due to thick surface cover. Dalaroo’s approach at Watheroo involves integrating historical data with recent magnetic surveys and surface geochemistry to build a detailed geological narrative. The current results appear to confirm the eastern boundary of a buried mafic-ultramafic intrusion as a high-priority area for further exploration. Dalaroo’s CEO, John Morgan, stated that Stage 1 of the soil sampling programme has extended the copper and nickel response south of the historical sampling area. He described the peak results as encouraging, noting that they, combined with the broader multi-element response, offer a clear direction for subsequent activities. The company is now preparing for the next phase of work, which includes collecting an additional 360 soil samples to expand the geochemical coverage northward and conduct more detailed infill sampling over critical zones. The proposed grid refinement aims for a 100-metre line spacing with 50-metre sample intervals. Beyond Watheroo, Dalaroo is actively developing a diversified portfolio of projects across different regions. In Côte d’Ivoire, the company has cleared all regulatory hurdles for a major maiden drilling campaign at its Bondoukou Gold Ridge project. With a recent $2.5 million capital raise, Dalaroo has increased its planned reverse circulation drilling program from 10,000 metres to 12,000 metres, targeting three key gold prospects along a 7-kilometre anomalous trend. Drilling is expected to commence shortly. In southern Greenland, Dalaroo completed its largest-ever field program at the Blue Lagoon rare earths project, upgrading the initiative from an early-stage concept to a well-defined regional system. Four new prospects were identified during the operation, and over 200 samples are currently being analysed in laboratories, with ongoing updates anticipated. Meanwhile, in Western Australia, the company holds the Lyons River project in the Gascoyne province, where it secured government co-funding for drilling after confirming the presence of a gold system in April. Dalaroo continues to advance its operations at Watheroo, with plans for the next stage of exploration already in motion. The company is committed to refining its understanding of the geological structure and enhancing its exploration strategy through targeted sampling and analysis. As the project progresses, further insights into the potential of the Watheroo deposit could shape future investment and operational decisions.