The upcoming survey is a magnetic survey which is done via the use of a helicopter.

The helicopter flies back and forth on lines which are 25m apart, measuring the magnetic properties of the rocks below the surface.

The previous airborne survey clearly showed that the Snelling-Cygnet Fault which runs west-east across the island, had a low magnetic response.

There are however, cross-cutting second order NE-SW structures, which are more subtle, but control where the lead and zinc mineralisation accumulates. “This proposed new survey is much more detailed and will hopefully help us identify the second order mineralised structures more clearly,” exploration geologist Greg Swain said.

At this stage, the survey is scheduled to start in the first week of March, covering an area about 28 sq km, halfway between Parndana and Stokes Bay.

Monax also plans an Induced Polarisation survey at its Bonaventura lead-zinc prospect on Mine Creek.

“If the surveys return encouraging information, we may undertake some exploratory drill testing mid to later in the year. Monax will also continue its exploration for gold along the fault zone,” Mr Swain said.