Norwest Minerals Limited announced the commencement of downhole electromagnetic (DHEM) acquisition in 5 recently completed reverse circulation (RC) drillholes at its 100% owned, Bali Copper Project in Western Australia. The DHEM work compliments the 33-hole 3,900 metres of new RC drill data targeting four high priority prospects located along the Bali shear. The first pass RC drill program returned pXRF readings of wide intercepts of copper mineralisation.

The DHEM results will be analysed alongside the geology and mineralisation acquired from the RC drilling to target the zones showing potential to host economic copper and other base metal mineralisation. Norwest has cased RC holes BRC004, BRC016, BRC018, BRC022, and BRC025 for downhole DHEM data collection and modelling by Southern Geoscience Consultants (SGC). The information is expected to provide a better understanding of the location, extent, and orientation of the conductors which may be host to base metal mineralisation.

The results will be studied alongside the geology and mineralisation to drill test target zones along the Bali shear which show potential to host economic copper and other base metal mineralisation. The new one-metre drill samples from these 5 holes have been prioritized for lab assaying with results to be reported close to the completion of the DHEM analysis work by SGC. DHEM surveys are used to detect `electrical conductors', which in a geological context tend to be stringer, semi-massive to massive textured (that is electrically connected) sulfide mineralisation or carbonaceous, graphitic or sulfidic schists.

The primary field generated by the transmitter (TX) loop will penetrate the ground, inducing eddy currents in subsurface conductors. Eddy currents will then generate secondary electromagnetic fields, which can be recorded by EM sensors lowered down drillholes with wireline. The direction, wavelength, and amplitude of the secondary field measurements can be modelled to predict the location, extent, and orientation of the conductive body.

As announced 2 September 2022, surface mapping and rock chip sampling across Bali's Deep South area has identified five copper-gold bearing quartz veins (V1 to V5) exposed over a total distance of 2.25 kilometres4. Lab assays from the wide-spaced rock chip sampling along the individual veins reported consistently high-grade copper, with many containing associated gold. Norwest's geologists have continued surface exploration across the Deep South area and located two additional veins (V6 & V7) reporting high copper values from the pXRF analyser.

Vein V6 is exposed for approximately 200m on surface where 6 widely spaced samples were collected. These rock chips were analysed using the pXRF and reported copper grade ranging from 4% to 44%. Vein V7 has limited exposure however its lone rock chip registered 56% copper.

The copper-gold quartz veins are associated with near vertical dipping, laterally extensive, narrow shears zones striking NW-SE parallel to the main Bali Shear. The high-grade core of the shear zones comprises a chalcocite dense quartz vein breccia within intensely silicified and kaolinized host siltstones of the Ashburton Formation. Norwest is evaluating geophysical techniques to determine which will best suit detecting and analyzing the subsurface characteristics of the narrow Deep South structures.

For example, if the DHEM along the Bali shear is effective the Company may undertake a shallow MLTEM which is suited to Bali's difficult topography. Or IP may be the better choice depending on the results of recent work using this technique on a neighboring tenement. Also being considered is sub audio magnetics to investigate the Deep South area.

Once the appropriate geophysical methodology is determined for the Deep South area, Norwest will mobilize a crew for data collection. The results will be used along with the surface exploration data to plan a comprehensive drill program. Norwest holds 100% of the Bali Copper Project located in Western Australia, 75 kilometres west of Paraburdoo.

The project covers 41km² with four prospects identified along the 8-kilometre northwest trending Bali shear zone. The complex history of the Bali Shear combined with interaction of earlier structures has resulted in mineralisation within and adjacent to the Bali Shear. Small-scale mining occurred in the project area during the 1950s and 1960s.

The Bali Lo and Bali High prospects have had minimal drill testing in the 1980's with most holes being less than 30 metres deep. This year Norwest drilled 33 RC holes for 3,900 metres between August and October being the first drilling since 1989. The company reported the preliminary pXRF results.

The assays are currently pending due to 7-9 week assay turnaround times.