MetalsGrove Mining (ASX:MGA) has defined ‘large’ rare earth element (REE) mineralisation at the Bruce prospect, within the Arunta Project in the Northern Territory.
The discovery was reported after the company recently completed an aeromagnetic and surface geochemistry program, which identified a 1,000m x 600m intrusive system. This intrusive system is considered to be ‘highly’ prospective for REE mineralisation.
MetalsGrove reports that the 2 ‘highest grade’ rock chip assays include sample BS02 and sample BS04. Sample BS02 displayed a ‘significantly’ high portion of yttrium with 258 parts per million (ppm) and 45% of total rare earth oxide (REO), as well as 44ppm of elevated dysprosium. Sample BS04 displayed similar ratios but had a low overall grade of 114ppm.
Additionally, high proportions of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) were uncovered in sample B08 @ 21% of total REO, similar to other NdPr projects from companies including Lynas’ (ASX:LYC) Mount Weld, and Arafura’s (ASX:AUR) Nolan’s Bore.
Commenting on the recent discovery, MetalsGrove Managing Director, Sean Sivasamy says: “We are very encouraged by the outcomes from our pre-drilling exploration work at the Bruce Prospect, which has provided a much clearer insight into the mineralised system we are targeting.
The comparisons of the rare earth distributions with other projects in the Arunta region – namely Brown’s Range and Nolan’s Bore – are very encouraging and follow up drilling is planned to commence later this quarter.
“Our phase one drilling will commence at these priority targets within Bruce, and this will be followed by drilling at the Box Hole and Edwards Creek prospects”
Our phase one drilling will commence at these priority targets within Bruce, and this will be followed by drilling at the Box Hole and Edwards Creek prospects.”
The Bruce rare earth prospect is located within the Central Desert Region of the Northern Territory, covering an area of about 17,722 hectares. MetalsGrove is currently exploring pegmatite, breccia, vein, and alteration-hosted REE mineralisation at the prospect.
MetalsGrove Mining is an Australian-based exploration and development company, focused on its portfolio of ‘high-quality’ lithium, rare earth, copper-gold, manganese, and base metal projects across Western Australia and the Northern Territory.
Images: MetalsGrove Mining Ltd
