Aruma Resources Ltd (ASX:AAJ) has uncovered significant rare earth elements (REE) and cobalt-copper enriched rocks during surface sampling at the Saltwater Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.
The mineral exploration company recently conducted a six-day field reconnaissance program at Saltwater to collect samples from radiometric, geophysical and structural targets, part of a planned systemic sampling of an interpreted 80-kilometre strike length for REE and other minerals.
Results from the initial sampling program are “highly encouraging”, highlighting the potential for Saltwater to host base metals deposits.
Located within an emerging REE province, the project consists of four granted exploration licences over a total area of 450 square kilometres, about 120 kilometres southwest of the regional mining centre of Newman.
Breakdown of results
Results from the sampling program confirmed REE enrichment across multiple structures, alongside significantly elevated pathfinder values of phosphorus, strontium and thorium and other base metals.
These elevations, paired with the presence of significant barium and manganese, suggest the potential for Saltwater to host a VMS or MVT-style mineralisation system.
The copper and cobalt findings, in particular, show the potential for economic mineralisation.
Rock sample enriched in base metals.
Exceeding expectations
“We are delighted with the initial results from our first phase of REE-focused field work at Saltwater,” Aruma managing director Glenn Grayson said.
“The sampling program represents our first stage of on-ground REE work at the project and the results have exceeded expectations, reaffirming our view of Saltwater's potential for hosting unconformity HREEs.
“These initial results constitute a resounding success for our exploration approach thus far.
“Furthermore, the grades of the surface samples for base metals are exciting and provide an additional exploration focus at the Saltwater Project.
“This potential will be further investigated in the company’s ongoing fieldwork at Saltwater.”
Up next
Aruma will continue with the systematic mapping and surface sampling along the major structural trends of Saltwater's interpreted 80 kilometres of strike, along with the re-evaluation of geophysical surveys.
Infill sampling of the area will also be carried out, subject to the success of the first-phase sampling program delineating targets for further investigation and drilling.