JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Copper and gold explorer Ivanhoe Australia has approved a A$7-million exploration programme as part of its A$18-million farm-in obligation to Emmerson Resources in the Tennant Creek mineral field, in the Northern Territory.

Emmerson, the operator of the farm-in phase, said that the expenditure constituted a large increase on previous exploration figures, and was commensurate with increasing geophysical and drilling activities.

The company reported that the exploration programme would be focused on unlocking the next generation of iron-oxide gold/copper deposits through drill testing a number of undercover targets that were generated from Emmerson’s investment in new prediction and detection technology.

“The programme is currently focused on the Troika prospect and will then move to the larger Trinity area. It is anticipated that about 30 000 m of drilling will be undertaken over the Tennant Creek mineral field, during the 2009 field season,” Emmerson stated.

The two companies entered into a joint-venture and farm-in agreement in April, which will see Invanhoe Australia earning a 51% stake in Tennant Creek.

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