Argent Minerals (ASX:ARD) has all systems in place to begin a regional rock chip sampling program over rare earth element (REE) targets across its wholly owned Copperhead Project in Western Australia.
The company says it will begin the helicopter-borne rock chip sampling program over the project on 7 July 2023 and will target defined ironstone/carbonatite REE targets.
Additionally, Argent reports an estimated 100 ground sites will be investigated as part of the rock chip geochemical program and that the accompanying ground survey will encompass about 100km of strike from Mt Palgrave down to the company’s southern boundary with Hastings Technology Metals (ASX:HAS).
The company notes the reconnaissance program is expected to be completed within 2 weeks and will be undertaken by Fortescue Helicopters before, subject to weather conditions, MAGSPEC Airborne Surveys undertakes its detailed magnetic/radiometric airborne survey over selected tenements this month.
As of 3:10pm AEST, Argent Minerals’ share price had increased by 30% to $0.013.
Commenting on the start of rare-earth reconnaissance at Copperhead, Argent Minerals Managing Director Pedro Kastellorizos says: “We are excited to be commencing our helicopter-borne regional rock chip program over our Copperhead Project. At this stage, we have defined over 100 ground sites to conduct rock chip sampling as our first pass geological/geochemical reconnaissance program.
“All rock chip samples will be dispatched to the assay laboratory for a multi-element analysis including all rare earth elements”
All rock chip samples will be dispatched to the assay laboratory for a multi-element analysis including all rare earth elements.”
The company also notes rare earth targets will include the sampling of linear and “bulls-eyes” thorium anomalies, circular and sub-rounded ferric oxide anomalies, potential-bearing REE dykes, and ironstones, with numerous areas along favourable prospective structures as first-pass reconnaissance exploration.
Argent Minerals is an ASX-listed company focused on the discovery, extraction, and marketing of precious and base metals in order to become an Australian polymetallic producer, mining 1.5 million tonnes per annum with a mine life of 20 years.
The company’s Copperhead Project is located 350km east-northeast of the township of Carnarvon and 950km north of Perth in Western Australia and is considered prospective for REEs.
Write to Adam Drought at Mining.com.au
Images: Argent Minerals Ltd
