MRG Metals (ASX:MRQ) is accelerating exploration programs across its Zimbabwe and Mozambique project portfolio.
Based on portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) results at the Shawa Multi-Element Carbonatite Project in Zimbabwe, 179 outcrop pulp samples and 299 sieved soil samples, along with a total of 550 quality control samples, have been delivered to SGS analytical laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa.
MRG Metals, which has a market capitalisation of $9.49 million, says multi-element analyses, inclusive of rare earths, will be undertaken at SGS.
The analytical results are expected within three weeks.
Positive analytical results will confirm the high pXRF grades, and as such, will result in trenching and drilling in the next exploration phase.
MRG says this exploration being conducted on granted mining licences is considered a “major” advantage to rapid project development.
Meanwhile, at the Adriano Rare Earths Exploration Project in Mozambique, 46 stream sediment samples were delivered to ALS analytical laboratory in South Africa for multi-element analyses.
The company says five panned heavy mineral concentrates, from strategically-located streams in the Adriano drainage system within the exploration licence, were delivered to the Scientific Services laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa.
The heavy mineral concentrates were cleaned via heavy liquid separation, and magnetic separation specifically targeting monazite will now take place. A mineralogical study of the concentrates will follow.
MRG also plans to conduct follow-up exploration to target areas with positive results from the initial stream sediment study.
Chairman Andrew Van Der Zwan says both prospects are considered tremendous for the company, which will be rapidly progressed if exploration results warrant further work.
“Securing the Corridor HMS Joint Venture in Mozambique was a breakthrough for MRG and in parallel with developing that partnership, the company has focused on advancing its project pipeline,” Van Der Zwan says.
“We look forward to reporting shortly the assay results from sampling programs at both projects and to continuing the follow-up exploration we have planned.
“The JV with SLC continues to progress, with the second board meeting planned next week.”
Van Der Zwan adds that on behalf of the JV, MRG has submitted a revised mining licence application, with related activities being progressed concurrently.
MRG Metals is a heavy mineral sands exploration company that is focused on developing projects in Mozambique after delivering resource estimates for its Corridor Projects.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: MRG Metals
