Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) has defined two large rare earth element (REE) anomalies with historical radiometric data at the Hooley Well Project in the mid-west region of Western Australia.
The anomalies are sizable, with the first measuring about 5 kilometres by 4 kilometres and the second 3.5 kilometres by 1.5 kilometres.
ASN says the anomalies exhibit similar radiometric signatures to Krakatoa Resources’ Tower Project – which holds a mineral resource estimate of 101 million tonnes at 840 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides (TREO) and Desert Metals’ high-grade REE prospects, which are both nearby.
Exploration plans in motion
Anson intends to begin drilling at Hooley Well this quarter, with drilling to begin as soon as the requisite approvals are in place.
The company believes the region is emerging as a potentially important source of clay-hosted REE deposits, where mineralisation appears to strike along the Yilgarn Craton margin.
Desert Metals has drilled along the interpreted craton margin, defining REE mineralisation over a 2.5-kilometre strike.
Drilling at Desert’s REE prospect at its Innouendy Project has revealed TREO values of more than 1,000 ppm within 500 metres of Anson’s Hooley Well tenement.
Importantly, Iluka Resources plans to build an REE refinery at Eneabba, only 400 kilometres from the project site by well-maintained public roads.
Anson intends to undertake exploration at Hooley Well in tandem with its core focus; the ongoing exploration and development of the flagship Paradox Lithium assets in Utah, US.