CuFe (ASX:CUF) reports a selective sample of columbite from weathered pegmatite has yielded niobium content of 47.1% and tantalum of 9.01% following exploration activities within E15/1495 at North Dam.
CuFe Executive Director Mark Hancock says the recent work by the team at North Dam further illustrates the potential of the tenement.
“And although the results are from a columbite chip it shows the potential of the pegmatites across the tenement to host critical minerals other than lithium,” he says.
“We are eager to start our maiden drilling program to further understand the potential of the region”.
As per an ASX announcement on 28 May 2024, a soil geochemistry review, detailed pegmatite mapping, and rock chip sampling was undertaken to identify the source pegmatites that have likely shed the columbite and tantalite rock chips along a 97m narrow stream bed which returned 43.93% Nb and 14.53% Ta.
A recent rock chip sample ND11 of columbite was collected directly from an outcropping pegmatite located nearby the Niobium soil anomaly and 100m southeast from S254.
The selective sample of columbite from weathered pegmatite is biased and does not represent the true concentration of the overall pegmatite but yielded a niobium content of 47.1% and tantalum 9.01%.
Broader zones of anomalous niobium (>15ppm and > 20ppm) from soil geochemistry have been interpreted and are coincident with outcropping pegmatites. These pegmatites to the west will both be mapped in detail for the presence of columbite and have drill holes planned to intersect them as part of the wider RC program, which is primarily targeting Li2O.
A preliminary report has been received for the recent heritage survey and supports performing the planned activities, with the final report expected this month.
Following this, preparatory works will be executed prior to mobilisation of the drilling contractor, with drilling targeted to commence in July.
Infill soil sampling work to assist in definition of the priority drill holes has now been completed and results will be incorporated into the drill plans once received.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: CuFe
