Aldoro Resources records promising REE and niobium results at Kameelburg project in Namibia
Aldoro Resources (ASX: ARN) has reported strong assays from a large-scale geological mapping and rock chip sampling campaign at its Kameelburg carbonatite project in Namibia.
The results were returned from 74 highly-prospective samples collected along the project’s southern and eastern margins.
They highlighted the rare earths nature of the carbonatite, with total rare earth oxides plus yttrium levels ranging from 1.16% to 9.89%.
Results from four additional samples collected on the south-west flank of the carbonatite ranged from 5.44% to 10.38% niobium oxide and reportedly provide additional confidence in the findings reported in December.
Maiden drilling
Aldoro acquired a majority interest in the historic Kameelburg project last year for a total consideration of $241,000 plus 500,000 fully-paid ordinary shares.
The critical metals project was viewed at the time as an “excellent opportunity” for Aldoro to increase its rare earths exposure in the large carbonatite.
The large-scale campaign is expected to help identify targets for an upcoming maiden diamond drilling program at Kameelburg.
Preparatory work underway
Planning for the 2,000-metre rare earths and niobium program is advancing with track access work and the identification of underground water supplies.
Track clearance has commenced with access cut to the niobium-rich dykes, with fence-line tracks also cleared and gates installed to gain entry to paddocks around the carbonatite.
A wheeled bulldozer will be replaced with one that is track-mounted to commence cutting the main access tracks onto the carbonatite.
Ground electromagnetic and self-potential geophysical surveys have been completed over two areas identified as potential bore sites.
Aldoro has engaged a contractor to drill the bore sites with a view to supplying water for the maiden program.
Commercialisation review
Aldoro has engaged Dr Zhiguo He from the Central South University in China to conduct a commercialisation review on the extraction of rare earths and niobium minerals from Kameelburg.
The review, which is expected to take several months to complete, will be based on a 252-kilogram bulk sample and will encompass processing and beneficiation of both mineralisations.
It will provide Aldoro with an initial beneficiation process to deliver a high recovery rate of contained rare earths and niobium, as well as a secondary process to produce a commercial-grade rare earths-niobium concentrate.
Dr He is highly regarded in the processing methodology field.
His research work predominantly focuses on the beneficiation and extraction of metals from a variety of minerals and the use of biological processes in metals recovery from tailings and bio-remediation.