OzAurum Resources Ltd (ASX:OZM) has picked out a new niobium anomaly at its 100%-owned Salitre project in Brazil, following recent soil sampling results.
The anomaly extends over a strike length of 1 kilometre, with peak niobium values reaching 190 parts per million (ppm).
Significant source of niobium and REEs
The discovery was made as part of a reconnaissance geological fieldwork and soil sampling program designed to investigate circular features identified through hyperspectral interpretation.
This program revealed anomalous niobium mineralisation in soil, accompanied by a cluster of ultraviolet (UV) anomalies, which are indicative of carbonatite intrusions – a significant source of niobium and rare earth elements (REE).
The highest total rare earth oxide (TREO) value recorded was 614 ppm.
Salitre is within the Alto Paranaba Magmatic Province (APMP) in Brazil, a region known for its prolific carbonatite intrusions, which are responsible for 97% of global niobium production.
The project area benefits from its proximity to existing carbonatite complexes, including Salitre and Serra Negra, which are significant sources of niobium and phosphate.
Alto Paranaba Magmatic Province - OZM Brazil niobium + REE project areas.
OzAurum's newly identified anomaly sits adjacent to nine UV anomalies forming a 400-metre arc, with associated gamma radiation readings up to 10 times above background levels.
The UV anomalies were identified by Dr Neil Pendock of Dirt Exploration, who highlighted the presence of fluorite, commonly associated with carbonatite complexes in the region.
Follow-up soil sampling planned
OzAurum plans to conduct a follow-up soil sampling program over a 1.2 square kilometre area in the coming weeks.
The company’s diamond drilling rig and crew are on standby, ready to commence drilling upon receipt of environmental permits and landholder approvals.
CEO and managing director Andrew Pumphrey said: “We are excited to discover niobium mineralisation in soil sampling with a cluster of coincidental UV anomalies we will be following this up with more detailed soil sampling in the coming weeks.
“The OZM Salitre and Catalao projects are situated within the Alto Paranaba Magmatic Province (APMP) that accounts for 97% of worldwide niobium production, all hosted in carbonatite intrusions.
“We are very excited with the exploration opportunity that this project presents to OZM shareholders.”
About Salitre
The Salitre Project, along with the nearby Catalao Project, represents a significant exploration opportunity for OzAurum within the APMP, giving weight to the company's plans to explore and develop strategic mineral resources in Brazil.
In addition to niobium, OzAurum continues to evaluate other exploration opportunities in the region, including lithium prospects within the State of Minas Gerais.
Recent initial drilling results from the Boca Rica Lithium Project did not yield significant results but the company will re-evaluate the geological model and redouble its efforts.