Other supporting pathfinder elements were also detected in the first round of mobile metal ion (MMI) sampling of the target completed towards the end of the September quarter.

It said the target consisted of several magnetic anomalies over a large area, of which each could host gold, silver or copper mineralisation.

One of the highlights of the MMI sampling results were that copper, silver and gold MMI responses were detected along the western parts of the target area over a strike length of around 6km.

Other noteworthy findings were multiple pathfinder element responses, including arsenic, cerium and lanthanum, along the same trend.

Greatland said the highest MMI results were 2,750 parts per billion (ppb) copper, 8ppb silver, 0.4ppb gold, 50ppb arsenic, 480ppb cerium and 280ppb lanthanum.

"The grouping patterns of certain elements, as seen in the MMI response over parts of the Scallywag target, are similar to those patterns seen in MMI and drill assays from the Havieron prospect," it said.

The company aims to carry out further interpretation of MMI results, which will be used along with detailed aeromagnetic and ground gravity data to refine targets before drill testing.

CEO Gervaise Heddle said the regional exploration programme results had reinforced the potential for Scallywag to host copper, silver and gold mineralisation.

"Scallywag represents a high priority target for further exploration given the large size of the target, its relative proximity to Havieron, and its potential to host the prospective basement sequence under relatively shallow cover at probable depths of around 50m," he said,

Going forward, Greatland aims to continue to explore the Paterson region, with a systematic programme of regional exploration to continue over the next 12-18 months.

Greatland's shares didn't move much of the news, slipping 0.89% tp 1.11p (US1.44c).