CuFe’s niobium rock chip bonanza paves way for drilling- Results from the rock chip sample at CuFe’s North Dam project include 47.1% niobium and 9% tantalum
- A heritage survey report has been received with drilling to begin in July
- Infill soil sampling work has wrapped up, results will be incorporated into drill plans
CuFe’s (ASX:CUF) North Dam project, 50km south of Coolgardie and 29kms fromMineral Resources (ASX:MIN) Mt Marion Mine, is an early stage exploration project prospective for a host of future facing metals such as
lithium, niobium, tantalum and rare earths.
Field work carried out in November 2023 highlighted the presence of lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) type pegmatites with results returning up to 1,770ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), 43.93% niobium, 14.53% tantalum, and up to 3,206ppm Li.
Fresh results return 47.1% niobium and 9% tantalum
A new program of rock chip sampling has unearthed high-grade niobium (47.1%) and tantalum (9.01%).
Alongside the sampling program, soil geochemistry work was undertaken to identify the source pegmatites that have likely shed the columbite and tantalite rock chips along a 97m narrow stream bed.
Anomalous niobium was found, boasting characteristics coincident with multiple out cropping pegmatites within the central area of E15/1495, which will be drill tested in the upcoming RC drill program.
Critical minerals other than lithium
“The results show the potential of the pegmatites across the tenement to host critical minerals other than lithium,” CUF executive director Mark Hancock says.
“We are eager to start our maiden drilling program to further understand the potential of the region”.
Drilling and further exploration
A preliminary heritage survey report has now been received and
supports performing the planned activities later this month, with drilling continuing to be targeted to begin in July.
Infill soil sampling has been completed in targeted zones and results will be incorporated into the final drill hole plans as results are received.
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