Alkane Resources applies for licence to search for copper and gold near Lucknow

Alkane Resources, which operates the Dubbo Zirconia Project and is exploring parts of Wellington and Cudal, has applied to explore a 45 square kilometre area 7.5 kilometres east of Lucknow, covering much of the Byng area.

Orange-based company Clancy Exploration previously held the licence, but it expired.

A spokesman said Alkane would search for gold and copper, but the company was so far unaware of what the area contained.

“That have to get the pre-work done before it becomes an area where they would go down further stages,” he said.

The parcel is much smaller than the 320 square kilometre stretch being explored by Fortescue and its partner, Gold and Copper Resources - their licence stretches from Lucknow to Borenore and Nashdale and the companies have flagged Cadia-scale targets. 

While Fortescue has been using aerial surveys, Alkane’s early activities are set to be much more low key if the five-year licence is granted.

“Exploration will initially be geologists walking around, looking at rocks - they’ll make some assumptions from that process and go from there,” the spokesman said.

“They will have to talk to landowners about access - they can’t go on land until they talk about gaining access.”

The application has been lodged with the Department of Industry, Skills and Regional Development and assessment is expected to take up to three months.

danielle.cetinski@fairfaxmedia.com.au