American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR, OTCQB:ARRNF) has further evidence of the upside potential of the Halleck Creek area in Wyoming, USA, with the latest results from the Cowboy State Mine (CSM) area returning up to 299.1 metres at 4,393 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO).
Assay results for 756 samples from the first 11 core and reverse circulation (RC) holes at CSM have been received by wholly-owned subsidiary Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc (WRI) following completion of the 2024 drilling campaign.
Strong results grow scale
These show elevated rare earth mineralisation from surface to depths of at least 300 metres and other encouraging results are:
- 117.5 metres at 4,006 ppm TREO;
- 81 metres at 3,673 ppm TREO;
- 81 metres at 3,602 ppm TREO;
- 81 metres at 3,652 ppm TREO; and
- 81 metres at 2,698 ppm TREO.
CEO Chris Gibbs said: "These first assay results continue to demonstrate the upside potential of the Halleck Creek district.
“The 2024 drilling indicated elevated rare earth mineralisation of the CSM area extending well into Red Mountain. “The sheer size and scale of the deposit continues to grow as these results confirm the deposit remaining open from surface to depths of at least 300 metres.
“These drill holes allow us to expand our resource estimates into Red Mountain in the western portion of the CSM area.”
About the drilling
ALS Global provided assay results for 756 samples from 11 core and reverse circulation holes, plus one partial hole.
Since drilling concluded final drill hole locations were surveyed and geophysical logs for each drill were collected. Additionally, acoustic televiewer logs were collected in seven core holes.
Providing most encouragement for the company was drill hole HC24-RM035 which showed an average grade of 4,393 ppm TREO across the entire 299.1-metre length of drill hole.
Likewise, drill hole HC24-RM023 had an average TREO grade of 4,006 ppm over 117.5 metres.
The results continue to indicate that the deposit remains open at depth and extends well into Red Mountain.
“A unique opportunity”
“Our team continues to focus development on the CSM area, a portion of the Halleck Creek Wyoming State Tenements,” Gibbs said.
“With a pathway to State permitting and recent Government funding, the CSM area represents a unique opportunity to work with the State of Wyoming to rapidly advance the project.
"When the remaining assay results are received, we will update our geological models and resource estimates. This data, together with the results of geo-mechanical test work, will provide the basis for detailed mine planning within our upcoming PFS [pre-feasibility study].”
To update models
WRI geologists prepared and shipped 54 core samples to WSP for geo-mechanical analysis. WRI also provided WSP with televiewer logs collected during the program.
The geologists are also using the assay data and whole rock geochemistry to update lithological designations of specific rock types within the Red Mountain pluton.
Geological modelling domains are also being updated based on these rock-type designations.
Once the remaining assay samples are received from ALS, geological models will be updated to reflect all data at the CSM area.