Dreadnought Resources (ASX: DRE) reports that rock chip assay results from its Mangaroon project in Western Australia’s Gascoyne region have confirmed the presence of rare earth elements and phosphate mineralisation.
Significant total rare earth oxides (TREO), neodymium-praseodymium (Nd2O3+Pr6O11) and phosphate rock chips results from C3 and C4 carbonatites included:
- MNRK0545: 2.52% TREO (0.65% Nd2O3+Pr6O11)
- MNRK0547: 1.98% TREO (0.59% Nd2O3+Pr6O11)
- MNRK0542: 15.5% P2O5 and 0.72% TREO
Additional high-grade ironstones containing rare earth elements, niobium, and zircon were also identified around Y2 and Y3 ironstones, with notable results including:
- MNRK0529: 7% TREO (6.30% Nd2O3+Pr6O11)
- MNRK0573: 67% TREO (1.67% Nd2O3+Pr6O11)
- MNRK0528: 2% Nb2O5, 21.5% ZrO2
- MNRK0526: 9% Nb2O5 and 0.67% TREO
Dreadnought notes that the results support the geological model where mineralised carbonatite intrusions may represent the source of regional rare earths and associated mineralisation.
“Our geological model is that the large scale C1-C6 carbonatites may represent the source of REE mineralisation within the region”
Speaking on the results, Dreadnought Resources Managing Director Dean Tuck said: “Our geological model is that the large scale C1-C6 carbonatites may represent the source of REE mineralisation within the region. REE and niobium veins forming outwards from a central carbonatite core make for a textbook case. Phosphate is also another positive indicator as seen around the Mt Weld and other REE carbonatites. We expect to be drilling exciting targets along these large-scale carbonatites and ironstones commencing in March 2022.”
The company’s recently-flown airborne magnetic survey had highlighted five ovoid features (C1-C5) interpreted as igneous carbonatite intrusions. C6 is another potential carbonatite intrusion located between the Minnie Creek and Minga Bar Faults, which are major structural splays off the crustal scale Lyons River Fault.
Rock chip samples MNRK0529 & MNRK0527 taken from near Y3While carbonatites C3 and C4 have been confirmed as mineralised in rare earth elements and phosphate, C1, C2, C5, and C6 remain to be tested.
These carbonatites are set to be the subject of an RC drilling program during April 2022, which will be tasked with identifying areas of mineralisation under cover and helping to improve the understanding of this obscured and newly discovered system.
Images: Dreadnought Resources Limited
