Lynas Rare Earths (ASX:LYC, OTC:LYSDY) has completed its exploration drilling program into the fresh carbonatite below the current Mt Weld Rare Earth Elements (REE) open pit mine.
Following on from the deep diamond exploration program in 2021, the subsequent exploration program was designed to expand the ore body knowledge of Mt Weld by understanding the primary REEs mineralisation, geology, and structure of the carbonatite host deposit.
Lynas says this program was supported by strategic partner Japan Australia Rare Earths (JARE).
The company says 30 diamond core holes for 8,000m have been completed, as well as 165 reverse circulation (RC) holes for 31,754m.
Drillholes were collared from the surface and from the current mine pit floor argeting the area below and surrounding the 2018 Life of Mine (LOM) design.
RC drilling assays have returned results averaging up to 3.3% Rare Earth Oxide (REO) in unweathered (fresh) carbonatite. The majority of holes were drilled to 200m below surface with multiple holes encountering 90 to 110m of continuous REEs mineralisation and open at depth
Lynas says RC assays have returned heavy rare earth results including dysprosium (Dy) between 1,400 to 1,700ppm.
Further drilling is planned with the intent of extending the mineral resource to the north-west.
Lynas says geological and structural core logging, core photography, and sampling is ongoing.
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Lynas
