Lindian Resources Ltd (ASX:LIN) has unearthed a set of particularly high-grade rare earth element (REE) assays from drilling at the Kangankunde Rare Earth Project in Malawi, grading up to 184 metres from surface at 2.49% total rare earth oxides (TREO).
Within this broad intersection in hole KGKRC003 was 146 metres at 2.74% TREO, also from the surface
Several other drill holes also produced broad, high-grade intervals of rare earth mineralisation, including:
KGKRC004 assayed 97 metres from surface averaging 2.84% TREO including:
- 24 metres at 3.43% from 10 metres; and
- 41 metres at 3.50% from 56 metres.
- 66 metres at 2.37% from surface;
- 50 metres at 2.30% from 77 metres;
- 32 metres at 2.18% from 137 metres; and
- 124 metres at 2.53% from 176 metres to the end of hole.
- 157 metres at 2.54% from 115 metres to the end of hole.
“As with our first results, the assays we are reporting today are simply outstanding in terms of consistent grade, the extraordinary continuity of mineralisation over very large intercepts, the high neodymium-praseodymium ratio and the fact that Kangankunde hosts non-radioactive material,” Lindian Resources CEO Alistair Stephens said.
“All holes commenced and finished in mineralisation and we are yet to encounter the extremities and the depth of the mineralisation.
“It is exceptionally encouraging to have such continuity and consistency in grade across all holes drilled to date. I am confident that the continuing stream of assays we will report over the coming weeks will deliver more of the same.
“Last year I labelled Kangankunde ‘the King’ and the assays we are reporting certainly underpin my confidence that we are in the early stages of rapidly defining what will be one of the world’s most significant non-radioactive rare earths deposits in terms of both scale and grade.
“Lindian is very well-placed to fast-track Kangankunde’s development with exploration, environmental and mining licences in place as well as healthy support from the government and the local community.
“We will keep shareholders informed of mine development drilling progress, regular assay results, the commencement and progress of metallurgy test work and any relevant commercial developments.”
More assays to come
Lindian is still drilling at Kangankunde, completing a 12,500-metre program with three drill rigs onsite.
The company expects to release more assay results in the coming weeks, with 4,568 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling and 632 metres of core drilling complete so far.
Importantly, assays have revealed very low average uranium and thorium levels for the rare earth mineralisation at Kangankunde, making for an uncomplicated extraction and beneficiation process in comparison to deposits with more radioactive elements.
Results have also demonstrated a high neodymium-praseodymium ratio of 20% of TREO in assays, offering further upside for extraction of the critical mineral, often used in carbon abatement technology.