The targeted deposit type for all projects is tropical (wet) lateritic nickel and cobalt. Particular emphasis is placed on the definition of reasonable thicknesses (i.e. >4m) of (garnieritic) saprolite.

This style of mineralisation is best developed in areas of moderate topographic gradient over olivine-rich ultramafic cumulates; particularly in areas of relatively higher bedrock fracture density.

Vertical zonation within nickeliferous laterite is distinct, with nickel content generally increasing with depth. Garnierite, the principal saprolite nickel host mineral, is a variety of serpentine, a silicate mineral developed below base of total oxidation in the weathering profile. Overprinted on the saprolite is an iron oxide zone of massive, microscopic scale goethite (limonite) needles termed “ferralite”. This zone is characterized by higher iron and manganese and lower magnesium content than the saprolite (garnierite) horizon. The presence of higher proportions of manganese oxides (“asbolite”) can frequently result in bonanza grades of cobalt (up to 3% locally), which readily incorporates into the asbolite crystal structure. Nickel content is generally lower than in the saprolite.