Aim-listed URU Metals has announced that line preparation activities along the survey lines required for the planned ground-based geophysical programme at the Zeb nickel project, located on the northern limb of the Bushveld Complex, in South Africa, began on March 2.

URU explains that the line preparation is necessary to provide safe and continuous access for survey crews and equipment, and to ensure accurate data acquisition along the planned gravity and frequency-domain electromagnetic (EM) profiles.

The line preparation marks the start of the next phase of exploration, aimed at enhancing the resolution, and refining the interpretation, of the previously completed airborne geophysical surveys.

The ground-based geophysical survey will be conducted over two priority survey areas and will include high-resolution gravity surveys and frequency-domain electromagnetic surveys.

URU says these surveys are being undertaken to improve the resolution and accuracy of the airborne EM, magnetic and gravity datasets previously completed across the project.

While the airborne surveys successfully identified several coincident gravity-magnetic-EM anomalies and confirmed the presence of a magmatic conduit system, ground-based geophysics provides higher spatial resolution compared to airborne surveys; improved anomaly definition and depth constraints; enhanced discrimination between lithological contrasts and sulphide conductors; and greater confidence in prioritising drill targets.

In particular, URU explains that the frequency-domain EM survey is designed to better delineate conductive bodies that may represent semi-massive to massive nickel sulphide mineralisation associated with the interpreted magmatic conduit system.

The higher-resolution gravity data will further assist in mapping dense ultramafic bodies and identifying potential sulphide accumulations within structural trap-sites.

Together, the company says, these surveys are expected to significantly refine drill targeting and reduce exploration risk ahead of the next drilling phase.

URU CEO John Zorbas says the beginning of ground-based geophysics represents an important technical step forward for the Zeb nickel project.

While the airborne programme successfully identified several compelling targets, Zorbas says the higher-resolution ground surveys will allow the company to sharpen its focus on the most prospective semi-massive nickel sulphide targets.

“This work is designed to maximise the effectiveness of our upcoming drilling campaign.

“We are very excited about the programme now underway and look forward to the coming weeks and months. We will provide shareholders with regular updates as line preparation progresses, the surveys advance and results are interpreted."