Critical metals explorer Leeuwin Metals Ltd (ASX:LM1) has confirmed a major rare earth element (REE) anomaly through assay results from its Gascoyne Lithium-REE Project in Western Australia.
These promising findings, based on a program of 1,000 soil samples, suggest not only the untapped potential for REE but also lithium in the region, strengthening the case for further, more detailed exploration.
Notably, high concentrations of cerium, lanthanum and yttrium were detected within the E09/2650 tenement.
Moving forward, the assay results provide support for additional fieldwork planned for September, driving further exploration and assessment of the project's potential for REE and lithium.
“Highly encouraging”
Leeuwin managing director Christopher Piggot said: “The results from our recent soil sample program are highly encouraging and provide further evidence that the Gascoyne region of Western Australia is under-explored and highly prospective for rare earth elements.
“With Leeuwin's focus on critical metals, the discovery of a cerium, lanthanum and yttrium anomaly is highly significant, as these elements have crucial applications in various high-tech industries, such as renewable energy, and electronics.
“The results support Leeuwin's exploration approach, as we actively advance at all levels of exploration to add value within our portfolio through cost-effective and targeted exploration.
“Planned work, together with active programs at the Jenpeg Lithium Project and the William Lake Nickel Project in Canada, will provide us with strong newsflow over the coming weeks.”
Soil sampling results
Leeuwin’s' exploration at the Gascoyne Project was focused on expanding existing areas of anomalism as well as testing new areas.
Assay results have identified a coincident cerium, lanthanum and yttrium anomaly over 500 metres of strike, open to the northwest and southeast and coincident with a largely untested magnetic high.
The results are interesting in the context of significant exploration activities underway across the Gascoyne region targeting REE and lithium.
Future work is planned for early September where a soil program and additional field sampling will look to expand on the areas of cerium-lanthanum-yttrium anomalism.
Untapped potential
The Gascoyne region was historically significant for gold, base metals, tungsten and uranium exploration, and is now garnering attention for its untapped potential for lithium and rare earth elements.
Recent exploration efforts by neighbouring tenement holders have shed light on the province's prospectivity for hosting valuable hard rock deposits of lithium, as well as REE deposits.
The project is strategically located near significant mineral occurrences, including Kingfisher (LON:KGF) Mining’s MW2 REE discovery.
Furthermore, Gascoyne REE exploration was conducted in parallel with Leeuwin’s extensive nickel and lithium exploration in Manitoba, Canada.