Chilwa Minerals (ASX:CHW) has reported 22m @ 0.228% niobium pentoxide within 161.5m of continuous mineralisation at its Nakombe syenite intrusion in Malawi.
The company’s southernmost drill hole MPYDD015 confirms niobium mineralisation across the full 270m strike length tested to date at the Mpyupyu target.
pXRF results show 22m @ 0.228% niobium pentoxide from 349.5m downhole within a broader 161.5m zone averaging 0.165%.
MPYDD015 forms a scissors pair with previously reported MPYDD009, drilled from opposite ends of the intrusion on opposing azimuths. Both holes returned meaningful niobium intervals, confirming continuity of the mineralised system.
Within this broad zone, significant intervals above a 0.2% niobium pentoxide cutoff include 0.238% over 10m from 359.5m downhole and 0.275% over 2m from 367.5m downhole.
“MPYDD015 confirms niobium mineralisation at the current southern extent of the Nakombe intrusion, completing the picture across the full strike length we’ve tested to date,” Managing Director Cadell Buss says.
“With every hole we drill, the scale of this niobium system continues to grow.”
The company notes that pXRF results are indicative only and cannot be used for resource estimation purposes.
Correlation analysis from neighbouring hole MPYDD006 showed pXRF understated niobium pentoxide by approximately 20% above 1,500 parts per million, suggesting potential for improved grades upon laboratory confirmation.
Lithological logging supports interpretation of a plug-to-pipe-like intrusive body plunging to the south or southwest.
The lithological control on niobium mineralisation is evidenced by grades increasing consistently from 282m downhole to end of hole.
Total metres drilled on the target have reached approximately 2,866m across 15 drill holes, with the company operating two diamond rigs with a potential third.
Phase two drilling is outlined north of the Nakombe River and east of the current drilling positions. The target remains open to the northeast, south, east, and southeast, as well as at depth.
ICP-MS results for MPYDD015, including rare earth elements, gallium, and tantalum, are pending and will be reported in due course.
Chilwa Minerals is working towards a definition of a maiden exploration target, with ICP-MS confirmation expected to support that work.
Write to JC Villarba at Mining.com.au
Images: Chilwa Minerals
