Aldoro Resources Ltd (ASX:ARN) has revealed encouraging head assays during metallurgical test work on drill core samples from the Kameelburg Rare Earths Project in Namibia.
The samples have exhibited high-grade total rare earth oxide (TREO) (+Yttrium) concentrations ranging between 1.08% and 3.53%.
One of the notable findings includes an assay of 0.74% niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) from the niobium sample KM004B.
This development is a part of Aldoro's broader initiative to produce commercial-grade concentrates of rare earth elements (REE) and niobium, essential elements in various high-tech industries.
Looking ahead, Aldoro is awaiting assay results for an additional six rock chip niobium samples at ALS Perth.
Meanwhile, metallurgical float processing is underway for two selected samples.
Metallurgical test work
The project involved bench-testing of seven drill core samples, which were shipped to Perth.
This batch includes six samples targeted for REE and one for niobium, derived from the Kameelburg Carbonatite.
Interestingly, one of these samples was split into two, making a total of eight samples undergoing the assay process.
The Kameelburg metallurgical test work involves sample preparation, including obtaining head assays for REE & niobium, acid leaching, desliming, gravity (tabling) test work, WHIMS, flotation and final product assays.
Geological mapping and sampling
Concurrent to the metallurgical work, geological mapping and sampling exercise on the Kameelburg Carbonatite will shortly kick off on the southern half of the intrusion, targeting the numerous high REE and niobium bearing beforsite dyke systems.
The aim is to provide a more accurate geological map using GPS positioning, recording dyke widths, strike, dip with unit descriptions to obtain a greater understanding of the complex, and more importantly the distribution of the mineralisation.
The detailed mapping and close interval sampling will facilitate 2D modelling and the positioning of drill collars and feed into the 3D resource modelling.
This mapping will be supported by pXRF REE/Nb readings with selected rock chip samples to be collected at regular intervals for analytical laboratory verification.