Perth-based explorer RareX (ASX: REE) has completed a drilling program within budget and with zero incidents at its flagship Cummins Range rare earths and phosphate project in Western Australia’s Kimberley region.
The program comprised 50 holes for a total 4,449 metres to gain samples for metallurgical testwork and mining studies and to confirm the continuity of high-grade phosphate mineralisation within the regolith resource for Stage 1 development.
It also aimed to extend the project’s near-surface mineralisation to the east.
RareX said all holes which focused on defining Stage 1 direct application organic fertiliser product intersected phosphate mineralisation.
Common carbonatite dykes were also encountered in step-out drilling, indicating the potential to define new zones of rare earth and phosphates.
Drilling contractors
Metallurgical drilling was completed by Kal Drilling at the Rare and Phos dykes to target representative samples of different Cummins Range ore types for study work and to confirm the grade and continuity of historical mineralisation.
RareX also engaged Stark Drilling to collar 12 reverse circulation infill holes on the Phos dyke with the aim of confirming grade continuity and increasing high-grade phosphorus pentoxide tonnages.
Regional exploration
Managing director James Durrant said the company would now turn its focus to regional exploration at Cummins.
“With drilling now complete, our team will focus on exploring the ground surrounding the Cummins Range carbonatite pipe as part of our RareXploration initiative which is aimed at delivering new discoveries and business development opportunities,” he said.
“We expect gravity and magnetic surveys will commence in the coming days to support regional target generation.”
Supply chain solution
RareX’s wholly-owned Cummins Range project aims to produce a sustainable, ethical, transparent and secure low-carbon rare earth and phosphate supply chain solution to satisfy global population growth and electrification.
In August, bulk floatation test work showed consistent performance for the production of a phosphate mineral concentrate from the project.
The work supports the opportunity for a Stage 2 development which would generate a high value phosphate-rare earths beneficiated product.
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