Prominent explorer CuFe Ltd (ASX:CUF) is preparing for an active exploration phase at its West Arunta Project in Western Australia, highlighting its potential for niobium and rare earth elements (REE) mineralisation.
The exploration efforts are bolstered by ongoing regional activities, notably the success of nearby explorers like WA1 and ENC, which have reported outstanding results that have attracted a wave of junior explorers to the area.
Broad program of REE discovery
With permitting approvals of its tenures progressing to schedule, the company is readying for field inspections, soil sampling and more detailed geophysical surveys to refine the potential drill targets and further explore the identified anomalies.
A comprehensive geophysical review conducted by Southern Geoscience Consultants (SGC) has identified nine target areas based on airborne magnetic data, indicative of carbonatite intrusive mineralisation.
This review is pivotal to CuFe’s strategic exploration approach, focusing on delineating potential deposits within the tenements E80/5925, E80/5950 and E80/5990, which are all pending grant.
Executive director Mark Hancock said: “The West Arunta region is really showing its potential with the recent successes of explorers such as WA1 and ENC.
“We believe our tenements have the right setting to host carbonatite intrusions and niobium and rare earth element (REE) mineralisation.
“The broad geophysical review by Southern Geoscience Consultants (SGC) has quickly identified areas that have potential and will be invaluable in guiding our early and initial exploration work fronts.
“The West Arunta region is quickly gaining momentum as an emerging critical minerals province.
“The prospectivity for further niobium discoveries is high and on the completion of the grant of our tenure CuFe will commence its exploration efforts on the ground, leveraging off the targets identified from this geophysical work.”
Partnership with Traditional Owners
In addition to geological advancements, CuFe is progressing well with heritage considerations, working closely with the Parna Ngururrpa Traditional Owners Group.
“Our access to the tenure is progressing well through the regulatory steps and a land access agreement with the Parna Ngururrpa traditional owners is in draft form,” Hancock continued.
“We thank them for their support to date and look forward to a mutually beneficial relationship in the region.”
This collaboration is true to the company’s commitment to a respectful and mutually beneficial relationship with the traditional landowners.
The consent of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs is required for access, as the exploration area is situated on a designated Aboriginal Reserve.
This regulatory step mirrors the successful consent acquisition by neighbouring explorer Lycaon Resources for its adjacent tenure.
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