Catalina Resources Ltd (ASX:CTN) has collected one-meter re-split samples for further studies following the intersection of lithium and rare earth element (REE) mineralisation from drilling at the Dundas Project in WA.
The maiden 105-hole aircore drill program was completed in December 2022 and intersected grades up to 8,146 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides (TREO).
In addition, lithium averaging 84 ppm over 44 metres to the end of hole (EOH) and 103 ppm over 28 metres to EOH has also been intersected.
READ: Catalina Resources fields REE and lithium mineralisation from maiden aircore program at Dundas
The REE anomaly intersections highlight the prospectivity of the area drilled at Dundas.
Of note is the presence of anomalous REE mineralisation in bedrock in several holes below the regolith horizons.
This suggests potential exists at Dundas for higher grade, higher commercial value, hard rock REE mineralisation.
Aircore drilling and assay summary. Underlying image is the regional aeromagnetic image.
Catalina has now collected a total of 127 one-meter re-split samples from eight holes for follow-up studies.
Assays are expected in 6-10 weeks.
X-ray diffraction analysis
Within hole 22DAC016, from 30-35 metres, pegmatite containing a blue-green mineral was intersected.
The mineral was logged as aquamarine, a gem variety of the beryl mineral group.
Mineral analytical reports received from the aircore drilling samples suggest that the blue-green mineral reported was not aquamarine (beryl).
Catalina has started technical studies of these samples and crystals to determine their composition and make an identification.
Further scrutiny of these samples will include X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD).
Trial soil geochemistry
A 1.5 kilometres long orientation soil geochemistry traverse was completed over aircore hole 22DAC095.
This hole intersected the highest grades (4 metres at 0.81% TREO) and presents an ideal opportunity to trial low-level soil geochemistry.
Next steps
Catalina is awaiting the receipt of results over the coming 6 to 10 weeks of the one-metre re-splits of the anomalous 4-metre composite samples, XRD analysis and ultra-fine soil sampling.
This will facilitate planning of the RC (reverse circulation) drilling underneath and along strike of the aircore targets in E63/2046 southern part.
A new CMP (Conservation Management Plan) has been developed and lodged with the DBCA (Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) in November 2022 for the next phase of exploration including deeper drilling.
This CMP was updated and lodged in February 2023 following a meeting with DBCA and feedback received on the November draft version.
Catalina expects to begin deeper drilling, via RC methods, in a few months once the approval is received.