BBX Minerals hits further extensive rare earth mineralisation in Brazil

BBX Minerals (ASX: BBX) has obtained further positive rare earth element (REE) results from assays of the final 25 drill holes from its 2017 and 2021 drilling programs at the Ema project in Brazil.

The company elected to undertake multi- element assays to help evaluate the REE enrichment level in the lateritic regolith at Ema.

Notably, 21 holes returned significant total rare oxide (TREO) values, with the intersection selection based on values above 200 parts per million (ppm) of TREO – ceric oxide (CeO2).

Values above 600 ppm were reported in 16 holes, including 2m at 2,354 ppm total rare oxide (TREO) in hole EMD-024.

Good continuity identified

BBX chief executive officer Andre Douchane said the results indicate good continuity of higher-grade mineralisation (>600ppm TREO) along the cross-section from holes EMD-002 to EMD-006 – with holes spaced approximately 100m apart.

“These results reflect the significant REE potential at Ema and the adjacent Ema East tenement for areas with TREO grades exceeding 600ppm, with positive 2% ammonium sulphate leach assays in EMD-017 confirming the presence of ionic absorbed REEs,” he said.

Further evaluation of the REE potential at Ema/Ema East will involve accelerated, low-cost reconnaissance auger drilling on an 800m grid, with three auger drills currently operating with a fourth planned to start within two weeks.

Good value material

“These final diamond drill holes from the original Ema exploration program continue to show good values in the oxidised surface material over quite a large area,” Mr Douchane said.

“We’re very excited to see the continued consistency and continuity. We are continuing to expand our auger drilling program in an effort to define an REE deposit as quickly as we can. Samples are being sent to SGS for assay on a regular basis so that the results can be announced in a few weeks. Turnaround time from SGS continues to be about 6 weeks.”

Positive leach testing

In mid-July BBX reported positive results from ammonium sulphate leach testing conducted at SGS Geosol Laboratories in Brazil.

Select intervals from the drill holes results released in May were subjected to an assay for REE via an ammonium sulphate leach to determine their ionic adsorption REE content.

Mr Douchane said the results show that excellent REE  desorption was achieved using a standard ammonium sulphate solution at pH 4 and confirmed the presence of ionic adsorbed REE mineralisation at Ema and Ema East.

These results will now provide the baseline for proposed metallurgical test work designed to optimise leach conditions and recoveries.

Notably, no thorium or uranium were recovered.

Mr Douchane said BBX has made a significant REE discovery and it intends to put the majority of its resources toward defining exactly what it has found.

A third bio leach test is now proceeding, with 480 hours of continuous leaching planned.

Additional pilot plant test work is also being conducted at the company’s Catalão facility which continues to show excellent results.