$440K govt grant to extend Western Mines Goldfields drilling program
Both awards comprise the maximum 50 per cent co-funding available under the government incentive program and were awarded within a competitive application process.
WMG will put the funding towards the direct drilling costs of three diamond holes to further test the main body of the company's Mulga Tank complex and an interpreted komatiite channel system that is 8.2 kilometres northwest of the complex.
The work will include a 1500-metre deep diamond hole into the Mulga Tank ultramafic complex to follow up results from a previous diamond drilling program and an EIS-funded hole that was drilled last year.
The new hole, designated EIS8, will target the eastern portion of a Mobile magneto-telluric anomaly at the base of the intrusion. It will pass close to higher grade geochemical results from a previous diamond hole put into the zone.
WMG believes the targeted zone could represent a sulphide-enriched keel and/or a feeder vent for the overall intrusion.
The company has also designed two more diamond drill holes to probe to about 700m depth in one of the numerous elongate inferred komatiitic channels in its contiguous exploration licence, about 8.2km northwest of the proposed single deep hole.
Komatiite rocks are a type of ultramafic mantle-derived volcanic rock defined as having crystallised from a lava of at least 18 per cent magnesium oxide and containing low silicon, potassium and aluminium and high to extremely high magnesium.
The rare rocks almost all formed during the Archaean Eon, between 4.03–2.5 billion years ago, although a few younger examples are known.
Geographically, komatiites are mainly distributed to Archaean shield areas – including Mulga Tank for example - and occur with other ultramafic and high-magnesian mafic volcanic rocks in Archaean greenstone belts.
WMG first tested the Mulga Tank channel system during a belt-wide reverse circulation drilling program last year.
The two new holes will follow up the results of two holes drilled under a previous EIS grant into one of the elongate zones. They will test a body interpreted from aeromagnetic imagery to be about 1.3km long and which drilling confirms as high-magnesium oxide olivine cumulate/dunite and komatiite lithologies, with visible nickel sulphide mineralisation.
The planned holes will examine the stratigraphy of the komatiite system and target basal contact that last year's reverse circulation holes did not reach.
The company has undertaken various diamond and reverse circulation drilling programs at its Mulga Tank project over the past two years, which have demonstrated significant nickel sulphide mineralisation and an extensive nickel sulphide mineral system within the Mulga Tank ultramafic complex.
The company's exploration has included three deep co-funded diamond holes drilled with the aid of its EIS grants in rounds 26 and 28 of the State Government's co-funded exploration drilling program.
Previous EIS awards have been instrumental in the discovery of an extensive nickel sulphide mineral system within the Mulga Tank ultramafic complex.
The proposed deep EIS hole, EIS8, will look to test the basal contact of the complex and will target the eastern portion of a conductive MobileMT anomaly that was 'grazed' by a non-EIS hole.
That hole returned 96m at 0.40 per cent nickel and 0.016 per cent cobalt from 1208m, including 38m at 0.56 per cent nickel and 0.016 per cent cobalt from 1262m, and 8m at 1.11 per cent nickel and 0.018 per cent cobalt from 1270m at a depth corresponding to the MT anomaly.
These results are hosted within heavily disseminated sulphide mineralisation that could represent Perseverance-style 'cloud' sulphides occurring near a basal massive sulphide accumulation.
WMG has carefully planned a mix of the two drilling methods at Mulga Tank, using reverse circulation rigs to scout and infill previous drilling and then to prove-up the extent of shallow disseminated nickel sulphide mineralisation.
The outcome of this work is reflected in the company's giant mineral resource modelling released two weeks ago, containing an eye-watering estimated 5.3 million tonnes of contained nickel, 257,000t cobalt, 161,000t copper and 1.1M ounces combined platinum and palladium.
The resource included a stunning combined indicated and inferred total of 1.97 billion tonnes at 0.27 per cent nickel, 131 parts per million (ppm) cobalt, 82ppm copper and 17 parts per billion combined platinum and palladium.
WMG's diamond drilling program comprises specific areas of investigation by testing deeper targets for basal massive sulphides potentially hosting nickel, copper and platinum group elements.
So far, the company has only drilled the relatively shallow disseminated zone within the more densely drilled parts of its central grid over the complex. Ample space is indicated across the magnetic signature of the central complex area for lateral extensions of this zone.
Additionally, the company has only scratched the edge of the possible significance of the multiple north and northwest trending multiple komatiitic feeder/channel system that radiates outwards from the main complex for as much as 15km.
And the company has yet to flesh out the extent of the deeper massive sulphide system that may be lurking at depth in or near the keel of the intrusive complex. The next deep hole will help resolve this.
Under the terms of the two EIS grants, WMG can kick off drilling of the latest holes from June 1 and the work will be included in its exploration plans for the year.
The current nickel price has increased by US$305 (A$478) per tonne since the beginning of the year and is currently US$15,606 (A$24,458) per tonne, offering a great portent for the project's potential.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact:
matt.birney@wanews.com.au
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The Advertiser
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- The Advertiser
Government-funded fuel economy and EV range tests cause confusion, says automaker body
The peak body for car brands in Australia has criticised a government-funded program that tests the fuel economy, emissions and range claims of automakers, arguing it causes "unnecessary confusion". The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) recently expanded its Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, which commenced in 2023, to include testing of the range and efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has questioned the merit of the AAA's testing. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "All vehicles, including EVs, sold in Australia are tested under strict laboratory conditions set out in Australian Design Rule 81/02," said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a statement. "This consistent methodology ensures vehicles can be reliably compared, regardless of brand or model. 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The AAA has said the need for real-world testing was first demonstrated by the Volkswagen emissions scandal (commonly referred to as Dieselgate), in which Volkswagen vehicles were found to use software to trick lab tests, and it claims real-world data is important during the cost-of-living crisis for households and fleets alike. It subsequently received $14 million in government funding for the Real-World Testing Program, which is conducted from a facility in Geelong and on public roads in and around the city. The aim remains to examine up to 200 cars, utes and vans over a four-year period. "Australian car buyers have for too long been misled regarding their vehicle's fuel consumption and environmental performance," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in 2023. "This Program will deliver Australians truth-in-advertising and drive down demand for cars that over-promise and under-deliver. Better information will enable families and fleet buyers to buy vehicles that will meet their budget and environmental requirements. While the FCAI represents most auto brands (notable exceptions include EVC members Tesla and Polestar), the AAA is the peak organisation for Australia's motoring clubs and their 9.5 million members, representing the likes of the NRMA, RACV, RACQ and others. MORE: EV range claims from BYD, Tesla, others scrutinised in new real-world testing MORE: Real-world testing shows Ford Ranger among emissions-breaching models MORE: Real-world testing shows not all hybrids are created equal at saving fuel MORE: Popular Australian models found to use up to 35 per cent more fuel than claimed MORE: New data shows even more new cars are thirstier and dirtier than claimed MORE: Real-world tests reveal the cars that are thirstier than they claim MORE: The popular cars, SUVs and utes that can't match their fuel economy claims MORE: Real-world fuel use shows popular Australian new cars drastically exceed claims MORE: Which SUVs don't match their fuel economy stickers in the real world? Content originally sourced from: The peak body for car brands in Australia has criticised a government-funded program that tests the fuel economy, emissions and range claims of automakers, arguing it causes "unnecessary confusion". The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) recently expanded its Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, which commenced in 2023, to include testing of the range and efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has questioned the merit of the AAA's testing. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "All vehicles, including EVs, sold in Australia are tested under strict laboratory conditions set out in Australian Design Rule 81/02," said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a statement. "This consistent methodology ensures vehicles can be reliably compared, regardless of brand or model. "Tests conducted outside the ADR process are influenced by many variables, including traffic, terrain, weather and driving style. No two drivers or journeys are the same. "We support transparent, evidence-based information for consumers, but it must be consistent. When conflicting figures are published, it undermines confidence and causes unnecessary confusion." The FCAI argues ADR 81/02 laboratory testing is already mandated by the federal government, so the funding of a real-world test program results in inconsistencies. The peak auto industry body and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) appear to have found some common ground. "All cars, including petrol and diesel cars, often present different results in the lab compared to real-world conditions. Laboratory testing occurs in controlled conditions while real-world driving throws in all sorts of variables such as traffic flows, hills, rough roads, weather, extra passenger or luggage weight, and the unique driving styles of motorists," said the EVC's head of legal, policy and advocacy, Aman Gaur, in a statement. "Given the unpredictable nature of driving needs, it's inherently challenging for manufacturers to provide real-world estimates. That's why electric vehicle manufacturers are following the rules and advertising the test results that are required by law." The EVC also noted hat most EV manufacturers use more realistic WLTP electric range figures, instead of the NEDC standard that was phased out in Europe several years ago but still underpins the local ADR 81/02 figures. In AAA testing, various models were found to return results well adrift of their lab-tested claims. In its inaugural testing of EVs, the results of which were released this week, the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV was found to have 23 per cent less range than claimed and 21 per cent higher energy consumption. In previous testing, a raft of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles were also found to exceed their advertised fuel economy and CO2 emissions claims. 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It subsequently received $14 million in government funding for the Real-World Testing Program, which is conducted from a facility in Geelong and on public roads in and around the city. The aim remains to examine up to 200 cars, utes and vans over a four-year period. "Australian car buyers have for too long been misled regarding their vehicle's fuel consumption and environmental performance," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in 2023. "This Program will deliver Australians truth-in-advertising and drive down demand for cars that over-promise and under-deliver. Better information will enable families and fleet buyers to buy vehicles that will meet their budget and environmental requirements. While the FCAI represents most auto brands (notable exceptions include EVC members Tesla and Polestar), the AAA is the peak organisation for Australia's motoring clubs and their 9.5 million members, representing the likes of the NRMA, RACV, RACQ and others. MORE: EV range claims from BYD, Tesla, others scrutinised in new real-world testing MORE: Real-world testing shows Ford Ranger among emissions-breaching models MORE: Real-world testing shows not all hybrids are created equal at saving fuel MORE: Popular Australian models found to use up to 35 per cent more fuel than claimed MORE: New data shows even more new cars are thirstier and dirtier than claimed MORE: Real-world tests reveal the cars that are thirstier than they claim MORE: The popular cars, SUVs and utes that can't match their fuel economy claims MORE: Real-world fuel use shows popular Australian new cars drastically exceed claims MORE: Which SUVs don't match their fuel economy stickers in the real world? Content originally sourced from: The peak body for car brands in Australia has criticised a government-funded program that tests the fuel economy, emissions and range claims of automakers, arguing it causes "unnecessary confusion". The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) recently expanded its Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, which commenced in 2023, to include testing of the range and efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has questioned the merit of the AAA's testing. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "All vehicles, including EVs, sold in Australia are tested under strict laboratory conditions set out in Australian Design Rule 81/02," said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a statement. "This consistent methodology ensures vehicles can be reliably compared, regardless of brand or model. "Tests conducted outside the ADR process are influenced by many variables, including traffic, terrain, weather and driving style. No two drivers or journeys are the same. "We support transparent, evidence-based information for consumers, but it must be consistent. When conflicting figures are published, it undermines confidence and causes unnecessary confusion." The FCAI argues ADR 81/02 laboratory testing is already mandated by the federal government, so the funding of a real-world test program results in inconsistencies. The peak auto industry body and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) appear to have found some common ground. "All cars, including petrol and diesel cars, often present different results in the lab compared to real-world conditions. Laboratory testing occurs in controlled conditions while real-world driving throws in all sorts of variables such as traffic flows, hills, rough roads, weather, extra passenger or luggage weight, and the unique driving styles of motorists," said the EVC's head of legal, policy and advocacy, Aman Gaur, in a statement. "Given the unpredictable nature of driving needs, it's inherently challenging for manufacturers to provide real-world estimates. That's why electric vehicle manufacturers are following the rules and advertising the test results that are required by law." The EVC also noted hat most EV manufacturers use more realistic WLTP electric range figures, instead of the NEDC standard that was phased out in Europe several years ago but still underpins the local ADR 81/02 figures. In AAA testing, various models were found to return results well adrift of their lab-tested claims. In its inaugural testing of EVs, the results of which were released this week, the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV was found to have 23 per cent less range than claimed and 21 per cent higher energy consumption. In previous testing, a raft of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles were also found to exceed their advertised fuel economy and CO2 emissions claims. The previous-generation BMW X3, for example, was found to use 20 per cent more fuel and produce 23 per cent more CO2 than claimed, while the Chery Omoda 5 used 32 per cent more fuel and produced 26.8 per cent more CO2. Other disappointing results included previous generations of the MG 3 (+19 and +13 per cent, respectively) and Suzuki Swift (+31 and +31). The latter was also found to produce more than double the mandated lab limit for carbon monoxide. Some hybrids have also fallen short in the AAA testing program, with the GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid found to use 32 per cent more fuel and produce 31.5 per cent more CO2 than its claims. The AAA has said the need for real-world testing was first demonstrated by the Volkswagen emissions scandal (commonly referred to as Dieselgate), in which Volkswagen vehicles were found to use software to trick lab tests, and it claims real-world data is important during the cost-of-living crisis for households and fleets alike. It subsequently received $14 million in government funding for the Real-World Testing Program, which is conducted from a facility in Geelong and on public roads in and around the city. The aim remains to examine up to 200 cars, utes and vans over a four-year period. "Australian car buyers have for too long been misled regarding their vehicle's fuel consumption and environmental performance," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in 2023. "This Program will deliver Australians truth-in-advertising and drive down demand for cars that over-promise and under-deliver. Better information will enable families and fleet buyers to buy vehicles that will meet their budget and environmental requirements. While the FCAI represents most auto brands (notable exceptions include EVC members Tesla and Polestar), the AAA is the peak organisation for Australia's motoring clubs and their 9.5 million members, representing the likes of the NRMA, RACV, RACQ and others. MORE: EV range claims from BYD, Tesla, others scrutinised in new real-world testing MORE: Real-world testing shows Ford Ranger among emissions-breaching models MORE: Real-world testing shows not all hybrids are created equal at saving fuel MORE: Popular Australian models found to use up to 35 per cent more fuel than claimed MORE: New data shows even more new cars are thirstier and dirtier than claimed MORE: Real-world tests reveal the cars that are thirstier than they claim MORE: The popular cars, SUVs and utes that can't match their fuel economy claims MORE: Real-world fuel use shows popular Australian new cars drastically exceed claims MORE: Which SUVs don't match their fuel economy stickers in the real world? Content originally sourced from: The peak body for car brands in Australia has criticised a government-funded program that tests the fuel economy, emissions and range claims of automakers, arguing it causes "unnecessary confusion". The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) recently expanded its Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, which commenced in 2023, to include testing of the range and efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has questioned the merit of the AAA's testing. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. "All vehicles, including EVs, sold in Australia are tested under strict laboratory conditions set out in Australian Design Rule 81/02," said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a statement. "This consistent methodology ensures vehicles can be reliably compared, regardless of brand or model. "Tests conducted outside the ADR process are influenced by many variables, including traffic, terrain, weather and driving style. No two drivers or journeys are the same. "We support transparent, evidence-based information for consumers, but it must be consistent. When conflicting figures are published, it undermines confidence and causes unnecessary confusion." The FCAI argues ADR 81/02 laboratory testing is already mandated by the federal government, so the funding of a real-world test program results in inconsistencies. The peak auto industry body and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) appear to have found some common ground. "All cars, including petrol and diesel cars, often present different results in the lab compared to real-world conditions. Laboratory testing occurs in controlled conditions while real-world driving throws in all sorts of variables such as traffic flows, hills, rough roads, weather, extra passenger or luggage weight, and the unique driving styles of motorists," said the EVC's head of legal, policy and advocacy, Aman Gaur, in a statement. "Given the unpredictable nature of driving needs, it's inherently challenging for manufacturers to provide real-world estimates. That's why electric vehicle manufacturers are following the rules and advertising the test results that are required by law." The EVC also noted hat most EV manufacturers use more realistic WLTP electric range figures, instead of the NEDC standard that was phased out in Europe several years ago but still underpins the local ADR 81/02 figures. In AAA testing, various models were found to return results well adrift of their lab-tested claims. In its inaugural testing of EVs, the results of which were released this week, the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV was found to have 23 per cent less range than claimed and 21 per cent higher energy consumption. In previous testing, a raft of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles were also found to exceed their advertised fuel economy and CO2 emissions claims. The previous-generation BMW X3, for example, was found to use 20 per cent more fuel and produce 23 per cent more CO2 than claimed, while the Chery Omoda 5 used 32 per cent more fuel and produced 26.8 per cent more CO2. Other disappointing results included previous generations of the MG 3 (+19 and +13 per cent, respectively) and Suzuki Swift (+31 and +31). The latter was also found to produce more than double the mandated lab limit for carbon monoxide. Some hybrids have also fallen short in the AAA testing program, with the GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid found to use 32 per cent more fuel and produce 31.5 per cent more CO2 than its claims. The AAA has said the need for real-world testing was first demonstrated by the Volkswagen emissions scandal (commonly referred to as Dieselgate), in which Volkswagen vehicles were found to use software to trick lab tests, and it claims real-world data is important during the cost-of-living crisis for households and fleets alike. It subsequently received $14 million in government funding for the Real-World Testing Program, which is conducted from a facility in Geelong and on public roads in and around the city. The aim remains to examine up to 200 cars, utes and vans over a four-year period. "Australian car buyers have for too long been misled regarding their vehicle's fuel consumption and environmental performance," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in 2023. "This Program will deliver Australians truth-in-advertising and drive down demand for cars that over-promise and under-deliver. Better information will enable families and fleet buyers to buy vehicles that will meet their budget and environmental requirements. While the FCAI represents most auto brands (notable exceptions include EVC members Tesla and Polestar), the AAA is the peak organisation for Australia's motoring clubs and their 9.5 million members, representing the likes of the NRMA, RACV, RACQ and others. MORE: EV range claims from BYD, Tesla, others scrutinised in new real-world testing MORE: Real-world testing shows Ford Ranger among emissions-breaching models MORE: Real-world testing shows not all hybrids are created equal at saving fuel MORE: Popular Australian models found to use up to 35 per cent more fuel than claimed MORE: New data shows even more new cars are thirstier and dirtier than claimed MORE: Real-world tests reveal the cars that are thirstier than they claim MORE: The popular cars, SUVs and utes that can't match their fuel economy claims MORE: Real-world fuel use shows popular Australian new cars drastically exceed claims MORE: Which SUVs don't match their fuel economy stickers in the real world? Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
08-08-2025
- 7NEWS
Government-funded fuel economy and EV range tests cause confusion, says automaker body
The peak body for car brands in Australia has criticised a government-funded program that tests the fuel economy, emissions and range claims of automakers, arguing it causes 'unnecessary confusion'. The Australian Automobile Association (AAA) recently expanded its Commonwealth-funded Real-World Testing Program, which commenced in 2023, to include testing of the range and efficiency of electric vehicles (EVs). However, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has questioned the merit of the AAA's testing. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'All vehicles, including EVs, sold in Australia are tested under strict laboratory conditions set out in Australian Design Rule 81/02,' said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber in a statement. 'This consistent methodology ensures vehicles can be reliably compared, regardless of brand or model. 'Tests conducted outside the ADR process are influenced by many variables, including traffic, terrain, weather and driving style. No two drivers or journeys are the same. 'We support transparent, evidence-based information for consumers, but it must be consistent. When conflicting figures are published, it undermines confidence and causes unnecessary confusion.' The FCAI argues ADR 81/02 laboratory testing is already mandated by the federal government, so the funding of a real-world test program results in inconsistencies. The peak auto industry body and the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) appear to have found some common ground. 'All cars, including petrol and diesel cars, often present different results in the lab compared to real-world conditions. Laboratory testing occurs in controlled conditions while real-world driving throws in all sorts of variables such as traffic flows, hills, rough roads, weather, extra passenger or luggage weight, and the unique driving styles of motorists,' said the EVC's head of legal, policy and advocacy, Aman Gaur, in a statement. 'Given the unpredictable nature of driving needs, it's inherently challenging for manufacturers to provide real-world estimates. That's why electric vehicle manufacturers are following the rules and advertising the test results that are required by law.' The EVC also noted hat most EV manufacturers use more realistic WLTP electric range figures, instead of the NEDC standard that was phased out in Europe several years ago but still underpins the local ADR 81/02 figures. In AAA testing, various models were found to return results well adrift of their lab-tested claims. In its inaugural testing of EVs, the results of which were released this week, the BYD Atto 3 electric SUV was found to have 23 per cent less range than claimed and 21 per cent higher energy consumption. In previous testing, a raft of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles were also found to exceed their advertised fuel economy and CO2 emissions claims. The previous-generation BMW X3, for example, was found to use 20 per cent more fuel and produce 23 per cent more CO2 than claimed, while the Chery Omoda 5 used 32 per cent more fuel and produced 26.8 per cent more CO2. Other disappointing results included previous generations of the MG 3 (+19 and +13 per cent, respectively) and Suzuki Swift (+31 and +31). The latter was also found to produce more than double the mandated lab limit for carbon monoxide. Some hybrids have also fallen short in the AAA testing program, with the GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid found to use 32 per cent more fuel and produce 31.5 per cent more CO2 than its claims. The AAA has said the need for real-world testing was first demonstrated by the Volkswagen emissions scandal (commonly referred to as Dieselgate), in which Volkswagen vehicles were found to use software to trick lab tests, and it claims real-world data is important during the cost-of-living crisis for households and fleets alike. It subsequently received $14 million in government funding for the Real-World Testing Program, which is conducted from a facility in Geelong and on public roads in and around the city. The aim remains to examine up to 200 cars, utes and vans over a four-year period. 'Australian car buyers have for too long been misled regarding their vehicle's fuel consumption and environmental performance,' said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in 2023. 'This Program will deliver Australians truth-in-advertising and drive down demand for cars that over-promise and under-deliver. Better information will enable families and fleet buyers to buy vehicles that will meet their budget and environmental requirements. While the FCAI represents most auto brands (notable exceptions include EVC members Tesla and Polestar), the AAA is the peak organisation for Australia's motoring clubs and their 9.5 million members, representing the likes of the NRMA, RACV, RACQ and others.
