OD6 Metals Ltd (ASX:OD6) has received assay results from the maiden drill program at its Grass Patch Project near Esperance in Western Australia, confirming the presence of clay-hosted rare earth element (REE) mineralisation.
Grades up to 3,340 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO) have been identified along with significantly high magnet rare earth oxides (Mag REO) up to 38.5% of TREO grade.
Heavy rare earth oxides (HREO) and critical rare earth oxides (CREO) were also observed at elevated levels.
Rare earth oxides significant intercepts >750ppm cut-off grade TREO (ordered by TREO grade).
OD6 Metals managing director Brett Hazelden said: “These are excellent and highly encouraging results for a first pass reconnaissance drilling program of 93 holes, across our wide ranging tenure at Grass Patch.
“There have been some significant TREO grades, but of particular note is the remarkably high Magnet Rare Earth Oxides grades encountered in a number of areas, which in some cases exceed 35% of the intercepted TREO grade.”
Grass Patch Project drill locations showing significant intersections >750ppm TREO.
Hazelden added: “The three main identified prospect areas of Belgian, Circle Valley and Scaddan will now undergo metallurgical testing to determine potential rare earth recoveries, with a new drill program being planned to focus on the high grade clay hosted rare earth intercepts already encountered.
“The Grass Patch Project is OD6’s second project to have identified clay hosted rare earths, after the flagship Splinter Rock project confirmed the existence of extensive clay hosted rare earth basins late last year.”
OD6 program timeline
- Splinter Rock Project drill assays are expected to be received during April 2023
- Final AEM data processing and 3D modelling by Southern Geoscience Consultants is expected during March/April 2023
- Splinter Rock Project metallurgical testing and mineralogy assessments are expected to be received from ANSTO during April 2023
- Splinter Rock Project Mineralogy assessments by CSIRO and Murdoch University are expected to be received during April 2023
- Splinter Rock Exploration Target (NYSE:TGT) to be announced in Q2 2023
- Grass Patch Project metallurgical samples to be submitted to ANSTO for testing and mineralogy assessments during Q2/Q3 2023