AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has confirmed potentially significant uranium mineralisation up to 6,213 parts per million (ppm) during initial exploration at its Mkuju Uranium Project in southern Tanzania.
Portable hand-held pXRF analyzer and gamma ray spectrometer were used to identify and produce highly-elevated radiation readings in and around the sample areas, where up to 3,000 metres of drilling and associated rock chip and soil sampling is underway.
Mkuju comprises a 730-square-kilometre licence area and is immediately adjacent to the world-class Russian-owned Nyota uranium project.
Other high-grade results include:
- MKGS001 - 499 ppm U3O8; and
- MKGS006 - 481ppm U3O8.
While these initial results provide confirmation of potentially significant uranium mineralisation across the historical radiometric survey areas, the company has cautioned that they are subject to confirmation by chemical analysis at an independent laboratory.
Possible extension of world-class Nyota
“Mkuju was emerging as a possible major extension of the nearby world-class Nyota Uranium Project that was sold by previous owner Mantra Resources (ASX:MRU) in 2011 for $1.16 billion,” AuKing chief executive officer Paul Williams said.
“Mkuju has always been the company’s major focus of proposed activities in Tanzania due to its proximity to Nyota and the considerable body of historical exploration on our ground.
“These initial results from this program establish Mkuju’s case as a major target for uranium mineralisation and we look forward to what the rest of the program reveals over the coming weeks.
“We will continue to carry out preliminary pXRF and spectrometer measurements on the drilling and other samples prior to their dispatch for assay."
Mkuju project location.
Historically prospective
The Mkuju area was identified as prospective for uranium during reconnaissance exploration undertaken between 1978 and 1982 by the German group Uranerzbergbau GmbH and was later the primary focus of exploration and development feasibility studies by former ASX-lister Mantra Resources (ASX:MRU).
Mantra completed a high-resolution helicopter-borne radiometric survey over the entire Mkuju River Project area in mid-2007, which resulted in the identification of several uranium anomalies that required field evaluation.
Geological mapping, ground radiometrics and trenching was completed on various target areas and although preliminary in nature, field observations were positive with visible uranium mineralisation being recorded in trenches at a number of the targets.
Just the beginning
AuKing’s seven granted licences in the Mkuju region are situated across Mantra’s historical anomaly, providing the potential to uncover additional uranium mineralisation than previously identified at Nyota.
The company’s exploration here began in August and includes an estimated 1,000 metres of aircore drilling beginning later this month.
This will be extended until the wet season later in the year if initial drill results are positive.