RareX confirms new targets, expands land package at Khaleesi niobium project

The interpretation of extensive and detailed historical data from the Khaleesi niobium project in the East Yilgarn region of Western Australia has delivered new target areas including multiple gravity anomalies for owner RareX (ASX: REE).

Data from more than 65,000 metres of gold-focused air core drilling by AngloGold Ashanti and IGO (ASX: IGO) are being compiled into a database that includes holes previously assayed for niobium or rare earths mineralisation.

While most of the drilled metres were only assayed for gold-related elements, RareX has located a portion of drill chips and pulps to be assessed and likely re-assayed for target elements.

Comprehensive data

The entirety of the Khaleesi Alkaline Intrusion Complex was subject to aerial magnetics and ground gravity work, providing RareX with “incredible detail” before it sets foot on the newly-acquired, district-scale project.

The data is believed to amount to “several million dollars” worth of tier-1 ground work information, with some past holes showing significant enrichment of up to 1,000 parts per million niobium.

Based on the strength of the historical data package as well as the region’s prospectivity, RareX has acquired an additional 336 square kilometres of potential alkaline complexes at Khaleesi by direct pegging.

The acquisition captures new areas likely to be alkaline intrusion complexes with potential for niobium-rare earth mineralising systems.

Emerging targets

Chief executive officer James Durrant said Khaleesi was shaping up to be another promising asset for the company, alongside the wholly-owned Cummins Range rare earths and phosphate discovery.

“Our growing understanding of the geology and geophysics at Khaleesi continues to support our excitement for this region,” he said.

“Drill targets are emerging, and we are looking forward to re-assaying some of the historical gold-focused drilling for niobium and rare earths mineralisation.”

Native title talks

RareX has also commenced working with Central Desert Native Title Services as the native title service provider for the Upurli Upurli Nguratja Aboriginal Corporation.

“We look forward to eventually securing an agreement to manage native title heritage over the Khaleesi project area,” Mr Durrant said.