Orexplore Technologies (ASX:OXT) has secured 2 ‘key’ contracts in the critical minerals sector with Green Critical Minerals (ASX:GCM) and Northern Minerals (ASX:NTU).
Green Critical has extended an engagement with Orexplore for a further 2,500m of core scanning, in addition to the 300m already scanned in 2023 through Orexplore’s laboratory service.
This order brings the total value of the engagement to about $226,000 and comprises the scanning of graphite-bearing drill core and the delivery of ore-sorting evaluation, grade proxy modelling, and emerging graphitic flake analysis solutions using the ‘rich’ data set captured by the Orexplore’s GeoCore X10 hardware.
Additionally, Northern Minerals has extended its engagement for an additional 900m of core scanning following the 420m already scanned to date.
This order brings the total value of the engagement to $130,000 and comprises the scanning of rare earth-bearing drill core and crushed samples.
Orexplore says the NTU project focuses on delivering 2 Orexplore solutions — ore sorting evaluation and a proof-of-concept for operational grade control.
Meanwhile, Orexplore’s research and development team, Talga Group (ASX:TLG), and Uppsala University are working on the analysis of graphite-bearing drill core samples using advanced data modelling techniques.
Commenting on the contracts, Orexplore Managing Director Brett Giroud says: “Our proprietary technology, proven through commercial engagements with precious and base metals clients, has shown to offer highly valuable advantages to the critical minerals industry.
“Recent work on several graphite deposits shows that we can provide information which was previously unavailable, at scale, and offer an opportunity to transform our clients’ projects and processes”
GeoCore X10 hardware is able to directly sense across the range of rare earth elements and is suited to both exploration and operational applications throughout the value chain.
Recent work on several graphite deposits shows that we can provide information which was previously unavailable, at scale, and offer an opportunity to transform our clients’ projects and processes. Expansion into the critical minerals space is highly aligned with Orexplore’s ESG goals, and it is exciting to release our solutions in this space.”
The company says its ULiBS Project is scheduled to start in Q2 FY23 and will provide roughly SEK550,000 to Orexplore for further development of lithium core scanning technology.
The project will be conducted over a 3-year period.
Orexplore will use its GeoCore X10 to provide x-ray transmission, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning to quantify the proportions of gangue minerals, petalite-spodumene and quartz-feldspar in an LCT-type granitic pegmatite environment.
Orexplore Technologies is a mineral technology company focused on advancing the commercialisation of its Technology Platform across the mining value chain within the global metals and mining sector.
As of 31 March 2023, the company had a cash balance of $4.79 million with no debt, according to its latest quarterly report.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Orexplore Technologies Ltd
