URU Metals (LSE:URU) said 3D geological modelling at its Zeb Nickel Project in Limpopo, South Africa has established a close spatial link between known nickel-copper-platinum group elements (Ni-Cu-PGE) mineralisation and its strongest electromagnetic (EM) survey responses.
The AIM-listed explorer commissioned Atticus Geoscience to combine drill hole data, airborne magnetics, gravity and ground-based electromagnetic surveys into a single model of the project.
The modelling shows the strongest EM readings sit within the same geological corridor as semi-massive sulphide intersections in drill holes Z03, Z017, Z024 and Z031.
One resulting target, named Target 1, is a discrete conductor coinciding with a gravity anomaly at the point where a rock conduit from the Uitloop II ultramafic body enters a larger intrusive chamber, a setting the company considers favourable for sulphide accumulation.
Atticus is now building a three-dimensional envelope of the higher-grade Zone 2 mineralisation to compare against the EM data, aiming to guide more efficient drill targeting and support a future maiden resource estimate for that zone.
The next drill programme is expected to pursue two goals: extending Zone 2 mineralisation and testing Target 1 for concentrations of semi-massive to massive sulphides.
"That is exactly the sort of position we want to test for sulphide accumulation," said Richard Montjoie, URU's exploration manager.
The company expects to provide a further update once the mineralised envelope and drill programme are finalised.
News Intelligence what this means for the company
URU Metals' 3D geological modelling has mapped its strongest electromagnetic survey responses to known nickel-copper-PGE mineralisation at the Zeb Nickel Project, identifying a priority drill target (Target 1) where a rock conduit from an ultramafic body meets a larger intrusive chamber. The alignment of geophysical signatures with existing drill intercepts—including Z017 at 2.25 m of 1.67% Ni semi-massive sulphide—sharpens the case for testing this geometry, but remains a targeting refinement ahead of drilling; no new mineralisation has been intersected.
This is a de-risking step within exploration: the company has moved from broad geophysical anomalies to a geometrically justified drill target, reducing exploration risk before capital deployment. However, the investment case remains contingent on drill results; modelling alignment with past intercepts improves confidence in the target but does not establish a resource or prove economic viability.
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