Dr. Anthony Mariano and his son, Tony Mariano Jr., both renowned...

Dr. Anthony Mariano and his son, Tony Mariano Jr., both renowned rare earth element (REE) geologists, have conducted extensive studies on the Colosseum Mine in California. Their research indicates that the Colosseum’s geological features are genetically linked to those of the nearby Mountain Pass REE deposit, the only operating rare earth mine in the United States.In their field investigations, the Marianos identified multiple outcrops of fenite and mantle-derived trachyte dykes across the Colosseum claims. These lithologies are characteristic of alkaline-carbonatite systems, similar to those at Mountain Pass. The presence of these rocks suggests the possibility of a substantial underlying carbonatite body at Colosseum, potentially hosting significant REE mineralization .Further supporting this genetic link, laboratory analyses, including zircon geochronology, revealed that REE-bearing zircon minerals from Colosseum are indistinguishable from those at Mountain Pass. This finding reinforces the hypothesis of a shared geological origin between the two sites .Additionally, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has conducted studies in the region, identifying strong thorium and uranium radiometric anomalies trending from Mountain Pass to Colosseum. These anomalies align with the presence of REE-bearing lithologies, further indicating the potential for significant REE deposits at Colosseum .Based on these findings, Dateline Resources, the company overseeing the Colosseum project, has initiated a dedicated rare earths drilling campaign. The exploration program is led by the Marianos, leveraging their expertise to assess the extent and grade of REE mineralization at the site .In summary, the Marianos’ research supports the conclusion that the Colosseum Mine shares a genetic geological relationship with the Mountain Pass REE deposit, indicating promising potential for rare earth mineralization at Colosseum.