I am thinking similar, that the Auger is to test the sands, To...

I am thinking similar, that the Auger is to test the sands,
To see what sort of grades of Niobium and Tantalum it has.

Probably to see how much Niobium and Tantalum is washed into the sands over time,
As that would be over a very large area,
Which would be easy to process as it is already a fine material
that does not have to be crushed etc.

Even combined grades of 1% would be good for the sands,
As if that's around half Tantalum even 0.5% of each
is worth around 4 times more than 1% Niobium.

I do also hope they did bulk sample some of the darker stuff,
And did follow the Columbite / Tantalite,
And see what the high grade bulk samples are like as well.
Which one can do as from surface.

Eg. They can chase the seams of Tantalum and Niobium and do not have to dig a huge pit,
As they would have to if it were an Open Pit from depth.

Anyhow hopefully they got the jackhammers out,
Or even just used a pick or whatever,
And got into some of those darker rocks and material to see what grades they contain as well. As really there is so much there it would keep SUM busy for a long time !!!!