Lanthanein Resources Ltd (ASX:LNR) has completed its roadside aircore drilling program targeting rare earth elements (REE) in the shallow Loxton Parilla Sands at the Murraydium Project, South Australia.
The company’s drill program targeted the same formation that hosts REEs in the neighbouring Australian Rare Earths Ltd's Koppamurra Resource, which includes 110 million tonnes at 818 parts per million (ppm) total rare earth oxides (TREO).
Preliminary XRF results from the first phase of drilling have been encouraging, with intersections at the Loxton Parilla Sands returning significant XRF readings of both praseodymium and neodymium oxides.
With 215 holes under its belt, Lanthanein now awaits assays, which are expected in around 4-6 weeks’ time.
Prospective neighbours
Lanthanein technical director Brian Thomas said: “We are very excited with the finalisation of the roadside drilling program on the Bordertown Block at the Murraydium Project in the Southeast of South Australia.
“We are now anxiously awaiting assays which will confirm this exciting exploration opportunity in a region that is highly prospective for ionic clay-hosted rare earth deposits.
“Our neighbours in the region, AR3, continue to have exploration success outlining an extensive mineralised system where shallow near surface exploration has delineated significant JORC Resources of REEs in the Loxton Parilla Sands.”
The company’s drill program was conducted in three phases and began at the end of March this year.
Despite the approval for drilling 307 holes by the South Australian Department of Energy and Mines, recent heavy rains hindered full program completion.
However, with the recent extension of the EPEPR for an additional 12 months, infill drilling will kick off with encouraging results as conditions allow.
About the project
The Murraydium Project is situated in the southeastern region of South Australia, with EL 6717 covering an area of 872 square kilometres of the Murray Basin.
This region is attracting considerable attention for REE mineral exploration due to the success of Australian Rare Earths at their Koppamurra Project and Resource Base Ltd at their Mitre Hill Deposit.
Despite similarities between the Koppamurra clays and ion adsorption clay deposits, further work is necessary to conclusively define a genetic model for REE mineralisation at Koppamurra and the broader Murray Basin.
Future work also entails defining metallurgical recoveries, process flow sheets, effective mining methods and project economics.