Great Western Exploration (ASX:GTE) has begun a maiden drilling program at the Sumo niobium target, within the Yerrida North Project in Western Australia.
Sumo is considered a large, robust and coherent niobium lag soil anomaly that measures 2km long by 1km wide. The target is located 70km southeast of Sandfire Resources (ASX:SFR) DeGrussa Copper-Gold Project.
The first pass reverse circulation drilling program will test Sumo on a broad spaced drilling pattern. The program will also target the fresh-oxide weathering interface, which is interpreted to be prospective for niobium enrichment.
Great Western, which has a market capitalisation of $10.78 million, says that Sumo is a compelling target supported by coincident pathfinder geochemistry which highlights the potential for a niobium-mineralised system.
The prospectivity is also underpinned by field reconnaissance work which confirmed Sumo anomalism as in-situ.
Niobium is currently in strong demand due to its use as an alloying agent in steel, with the addition of niobium during the steel making process leading to an improvement in the steel’s strength.
Great Western says 90% of the world’s niobium is sourced from Brazil. Niobium is also included within the Australian Government’s critical minerals list, as part of its Critical Minerals Strategy 2023-2030.
At the Oval copper-gold target, drill core analysis and interpretation is being carried out on the recently completed drill core. Assay results are anticipated later this month or in early May.
The results are expected to supplement the geological modelling being undertaken, as well as guide further drill testing at Oval.
Meanwhile at the Lake Way Potash Project in Western Australia, the company is reviewing recommendations made and is considering conducting further drilling to define a maiden resource.
The drilling program will be conducted once the market sentiment for sulphate of potash improves.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Great Western Exploration
