CuFe Ltd (ASX:CUF) is making strong progress on heritage and exploration activities at the North Dam Project, situated on licences E15/1495 and M15/1841 in Western Australia.
Heritage survey complete
Following the Heritage Protection Agreement with the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group, an archaeological and ethnographic survey was conducted by Terra Rosa Consulting.
This three-day survey focused on priority areas for the Stage 1 drilling program.
Preliminary advice and findings are expected within the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) has approved an extension to CuFe’s program of works (PoW), expanding the scope and coverage of the Stage 1 drilling program.
The company has also progressed field mapping and soil geochemistry to refine its Stage 1 drill targets, with additional high-density soil sampling planned before the start of reverse circulation (RC) drilling in July 2024.
High-grade niobium
The company has continued its follow-up on anomalous rare earth elements (REE) and niobium mineralisation.
Previous rock chip sampling reported high-grade niobium results – up to 43.93% niobium – in August 2023.
CuFe has identified three pegmatite bodies as potential sources of columbite and tantalite chips.
Recent rock chip samples are being analysed in a Perth laboratory, with results anticipated within two weeks.
Preparation for the RC drilling program includes the completed flora survey in December 2023, the approved PoW and the recent heritage survey.
Drill contractors have been shortlisted, and drilling is scheduled to begin in July 2024.
Preparations for drilling
CuFe executive director Mark Hancock said: “Preparations for the maiden RC program are progressing well and completing our first heritage survey for the tenements is an important milestone.
“We thank the Marlinyu Ghoorlie Native Title Claimant Group for their support and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship in the region.
“With the PoW finalised for the lithium targets and some new rock chip results expected over the next two weeks that could help pin down the source pegmatites for the niobium and tantalum mineralisation we have seen previously within stream channels, it is an exciting time for the project.”