Among its high potential for mineral deposits, Turkey features zones of lateritic nickel mineralization. This type of nickel occurrence develops from weathering of ultramafic rocks, which occur in extensive belts in Turkey. Ultramafic rocks come from Earth’s mantle and are pre-enriched in nickel. If long-lasting weathering leaches the upper part of exposed ultramafics rocks, nickel may be enriched in the lower part of the weathering profile to economic concentrations (+ 1 % Ni), with large ore bodies. Rocks in such a weathering zone are usually iron-rich and are called ‘laterites’. Due to its formation at the surface, no or just little uplift must have occurred after formation of the laterite to prevent it from erosion.

Many of Turkey’s ultramafics have been uplifted during the last few million years, but others were not, preserving laterites. The economics of nickel-in-laterite often depend on whether or not the nickel-ore is well leachable, and it appears that especially the Turkish laterites have very good leaching properties. This has been demonstrated with the large Caldag nickel deposit in Western Turkey. Caldag has reserves of 33 Mt @ 1.3 % Ni and 0.07 % Co, and is currently developed by European Nickel Plc.

 Aldridge believes that there is potential for more deposits of that type and size, and collected large amounts of data to identify according areas. This program led to acquisition of 17 licenses in western Turkey, so far. For a first orientation, seven rock grab samples were taken on one license, with results of 0.26-8.1 % Ni.

The current nickel program is principally focused on licenses obtained in the Murat Dag area of western Turkey. A first-round RC-drill program is carried out. Aldridge is employing a wide drill grid (200-400 m spaced holes) to understand the basic trends of mineralization on its licenses. Twenty eight of 38 scheduled holes have been drilled with reverse circulation (RC) on this wide grid, and three holes indicate good nickel mineralization, as listed below. As shown on the map to the right, holes D1 and D2 are 300 m apart, roughly in E-W direction, indicating further mineralization potential between and around these holes, and up to 600 m to the south, where no holes could be drilled in this first round. Due to the sheet-like nature of nickel laterite mineralization, the intersections are thought to represent true thickness.

Aldridge is in the process of acquiring further licenses for nickel-bearing laterites.

Table showing drill results of Aldridge’s Murat Dag nickel laterite program  (PDF file)