Reach Resources (ASX:RR1) says surface sampling assays results have returned highly anomalous values across the majority of the areas sampled at the Wabli Creek Project in Western Australia.
Surface samples were taken to refine the company’s understanding of granite/dyke contact zones uncovered by geochemical and geophysical analysis previously completed, and Reach says these have confirmed drill-ready targets.
The $12.24 million market capitalised company says mapping and surface sampling identified large anomalous zones of total rare earth oxides (TREO), with values up to 7,060 parts per million.
As mineralisation has been established in the Pelops zone, Reach Resources aimed to confirm anomalous mineralisation exists in additional zones, prior to the definition of priority drill targets.
CEO Jeremy Bower says the latest results have enhanced the company’s confidence at Wabli Creek.
“The key for the exploration team has been to understand and try and replicate the Pelops prospect, where rock chip samples from bedrock have returned assays up to 17.65% niobium pentoxide,” Bower says.
“Our exploration team, led by Nick Revell and principal geologist David Tsiokos, now have a strong understanding regarding the genesis of mineralisation which has enabled them to confirm drill-ready targets.
“The confirmation of anomalous mineralisation in other zones in addition to Pelops is the final confirmation we needed to de-risk the next stage of exploration.”
Bower notes that there is potential for niobium and titanium, as well as significant levels of magnetic rare earths, particularly neodymium and praseodymium.
“Of major importance is the thesis that the central alkaline granite is host to much of the rare earth mineralisation, in addition to its contact with the north-south trending dykes.”
The company notes this provides a much larger target area.
A total of 74 surface samples were returned and provided the final step towards defining priority drill targets.
Reach Resources is a critical mineral explorer with a large portfolio of tenements in the resource rich Gascoyne Mineral Field.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Reach Resources
