AuKing Mining (ASX:AKN) will start drilling soon at its Tundulu Rare Earths Project in Malawi.
AuKing recently revealed that it has awarded Thompson Resources the contract to provide drilling services for the project.
Thompson will perform both reverse circulation and diamond drilling across 25 proposed target holes, spanning a combined 5.5km.
The reverse circulation rig will be mobilised in the middle of May 2026, and a separate diamond drilling rig will come online in early June 2026.
Drilling work will test for extensions, structural controls, and depth continuity of rare earth element mineralisation across the site.
Step-outs, infill, and three twin holes will validate historical results and mineralisation extensions along strike and at depth in the Nathace Hill deposit.
The company finalised and submitted the transfer of proposed exploration licence EL 0731/24 (Tundulu) to the Tenement Returns e-Lodgement portal to the Malawi Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority at the time of writing.
The authority is expected to make a final determination shortly, after which Auking will acquire the Tundulu exploration licence and related interests.
AuKing has completed initial airborne drone-based magnetics, as well as a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) survey across a 5km-diameter carbonatite intrusive complex.
The area covers the Nathace Hill, Makhanga Hill, Namuka Hill, Ichigwakalu Hill, and Tundulu Hill deposits.
The airborne survey aims to resolve sub-surface intrusive architecture and structural controls on rare earth element mineralisation. The company hopes this will enable refined drill targeting across the Tundulu alkaline-carbonatite system.
Survey data is being finalised and will be publicly released shortly.
Thompson Resources is a drilling contracting company that operates in southern Africa.
AuKing Mining is a copper, uranium, and other metal explorer and developer with assets in both Western Australia and Tanzania, Africa.
Write to Richard Szabo at Mining.com.au
Images: Auking Mining
