Historic mine workings are a valuable source of geological evidence. They provide direct access to veins and surrounding rock that would otherwise be known mainly through plans, drilling and geological modelling.

Each source contributes something different. Mine plans record the layout of tunnels and stopes. Drilling tests the geology between accessible areas. Underground mapping allows geologists to examine structures in place and collect samples from accurately recorded locations.

This combination is particularly useful at Clogau-St David’s. Published research describes the Main Lode as steeply dipping and structurally variable, with the quartz-vein system pinching, swelling and dividing into branches. Understanding where each observation and sample sits within that structure is therefore an important part of the geological work.

At Jack Williams, Arkadian has installed ladders and intermediate platforms to create a staged route through approximately 12 metres of existing workings. The route provides access from the Tyn y Cornel Level to the westernmost historically mined section of the Main Lode.

The access work follows Arkadian’s 2020 underground drilling and subsequent three-dimensional geological modelling, which identified the potential western continuation of the Main Lode as an exploration opportunity. With the route now complete, the geological team can:

• inspect the vein and surrounding rock directly
• map its position, orientation, branches and fractures
• collect systematic samples from known locations
• compare the findings with historic plans, drilling and the geological model

The detailed review of Level 5 continues in parallel. The fresh geological exposure and accurately located samples obtained there remain part of the mine-wide mineralogical programme. Jack Williams adds another priority area for direct investigation and comparison within the wider Main Lode system.

Completing the route advances a target already identified through Arkadian’s drilling and modelling work. It makes practical use of the existing mine infrastructure and extends the ongoing exploration programme into another historically important part of Clogau-St David’s.

Any material findings will be announced once the relevant technical work has been completed and reviewed.

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