Nevada Organic Phosphate says drilling at its Murdock Mountain project in northeastern Nevada has confirmed phosphate along a strike length exceeding 3.3 km. Fertilizer Daily Markets reported the update, citing an October 19 report by Mining.com.au. The latest hole extends the area tested, although laboratory assay results for that hole have yet to be returned.
Hole MM26-11 encountered 28.7 metres of the Meade Peak Member, including oolitic zones characteristic of the Upper Phosphate Zone. It was drilled roughly 315 metres southwest of MM26-10. That earlier hole intersected 27 metres of the same geological member, with a 3.60-metre section reporting a grade of 10.89% P₂O₅. The reported grade therefore relates to the earlier hole, rather than the latest intersection awaiting assays.
Chief executive Robin Dow described the latest drilling outcome as further progress in reducing uncertainty around the company’s geological model. However, drilling has advanced slowly because of difficult ground conditions. According to director Garry Smith, thick dolomitic mudstone cemented by silica, together with chert horizons, has blocked core barrels and reduced core recovery. The company has identified another three drill pads.
The broader project contains a sedimentary phosphate bed extending 6.6 km, according to the report. Nevada Organic Phosphate describes the material as capable of organic certification. Its claim applications also cover possible extensions stretching more than 30 km, distinct from the strike length confirmed by drilling so far.
The Canada-based junior remains an exploration company, with neither a resource estimate nor a production timetable announced for Murdock Mountain. Fertilizer Daily Markets placed the update against growing interest in new US phosphate rock supplies as sulphur costs put pressure on domestic processing, citing Mosaic’s idling of South Fort Meade operations. The outlet also noted a potential role for direct-application organic phosphate rock among organic growers unable to use processed phosphates.