Voltaic Strategic Resources (ASX:VSR) unveils several further ‘extremely wide’ rare earth element (REE) mineralised intercepts from surface at the Neo prospect within its Paddy’s Well Project in Western Australia.
The company reports assays from 12 drillholes from its phase 1B program show intercepts of almost 80m from surface across multiple holes, with mineralisation remaining open at depth and along strike.
Commenting on the discovery, Voltaic Strategic Resources Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Michael Walshe says: “We now have unequivocal evidence for the presence of a large, alumina-rich, kaolinitic REE clay system at Neo, which has the potential for hosting a near-surface “open-pittable” REE clay deposit of substantial scale.
“We now have unequivocal evidence for the presence of a large, alumina-rich, kaolinitic REE clay system at Neo”
Metallurgical testing on the clays is now underway to determine their preliminary economic viability and ion-absorption (IAD) potential. The “size by assay” analysis work has been completed, and the preliminary results are encouraging for a significant upgrade in REE grades and the removal of waste by undertaking simple upstream mineral processing techniques.
The leach testwork is due to commence next week once this data has been reviewed and a decision made on the optimal size fraction for leaching. Encouragingly, halloysite has already been identified from scanning electron microscope analysis, which is a kaolinitic clay mineral commonly found in true IAD clays.
In the field, our focus is now on primary carbonatite targets. We will soon undertake several field surveys including: airborne magnetics / radiometrics, photogrammetry, and soil sampling. These programs will increase our pool of priority targets and ensure several months of highly active and material newsflow over the remainder of 2023.”
Voltaic says no further clay-focused drilling is planned until the leaching results are known. The company believes this is the most judicious use of capital going forward.
Additionally, exploration is continuing to focus on Voltaic’s several primary carbonatite REE and niobium targets within the Paddys Well Project.
Voltaic Strategic Resources is an ASX-listed exploration company with a ‘strategically located’ critical metals portfolio led by lithium, REE, base metals, and gold across Western Australia and Nevada, US.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Voltaic Strategic Resources Ltd
