AuKing Mining (ASX:AKN) has completed its first diamond-tailed drill hole at the Tundulu Rare Earth Project in Malawi at 510.6m, after preliminary logging identified carbonatite intrusions below the original 300m target depth.
Hole 26NH032 was initially reverse circulation (RC) drilled to 150m and scheduled for a further 150m diamond tail. However, AuKing extended the hole after logging continued to identify carbonatite, with the geology remaining open at the end of the hole.
Managing Director Paul Williams says observations from the planned 300m hole prompted the company to continue drilling.
“Carbonatite geology has been confirmed throughout this now much deeper hole,” Williams says.
The observations are preliminary and cannot determine the presence or grade of rare earth mineralisation, with laboratory assays still pending. AuKing interprets the results as evidence that the Tundulu carbonatite complex could be broader and deeper than previously thought.
The company says it completed the RC component of its initial drilling program on 31 July, comprising 31 holes for 4,300m. Logging identified carbonatite lithologies across the drilling area, including in holes 700m from the primary Nathace Hill target.
Seven export permits covering 4,165 samples have now been approved, while another permit for 357 samples remains under assessment by the Malawi Minerals, Mining, and Metals Authority.
The first two sample batches, totalling 1,270 samples, have reached Intertek’s (LSE:ITRK) Perth laboratory. AuKing notes it has requested priority processing for samples from the first four holes after permitting, transport, and preparation delayed the assay program.
Further deep diamond holes are planned around Nathace Hill. Subject to assay results, AuKing says it intends to begin preparing a maiden mineral resource estimate set for release before the end of 2026.
Tundulu is located within the 91.5km² exploration licence EL0731/24 in southeastern Malawi. AuKing is seeking regulatory approval to transfer the licence from Tusker Minerals (ASX:TSK) subsidiary Green Exploration.
Write to France Pinzon at Mining.com.au
Images: AuKing Mining
