Eclipse Metals begins much anticipated maiden drilling program at Ivittuut
Eclipse Metals chairman Carl Popal says the drilling team may be able to mobilise to Grønnedal-Ika to begin the field season in July.
Eclipse Metals (ASX: EPM) has begun its much-anticipated maiden drilling program at its flagship Ivittuut project in Greenland where it is targeting rare earth elements (REE) and other mineralisation.
The company is completing a 2,000m percussion drilling program at the Ivigtût and Grønnedal prospects where REE targets have been identified.
Grab samples from the prospects earlier this year returned light to heavy REE mineralisation.
As part of the program, Eclipse chairman Carl Popal has joined the drilling contract and geologist on-site to report on its progress.
Drilling is expected to be completed later this month and results reported as soon as they are at hand.
Previous work at Ivittuut had focused on exploring and mining the Ivigtût cryolite deposit.
Eclipse is the first company to test the project’s REE and multi-element potential.
Surface sampling
In addition to the maiden drilling program, Eclipse will complete surface sampling. Samples will be collected from “areas of interest” that were defined by remote sensing surveys.
The areas are in proximity the historical mine precinct.
In the field work program, Eclipse will investigate around the former Ivigtût mine site and will collect samples from remnant waste dumps to assess the cryolite, fluorite base metal content, as well as REE and lithium prospectivity.
Mine licence application
To fast-track the project, Eclipse has engaged a European consultancy group to assist with environmental and social impact assessments for Ivittuut.
The environmental (EIA) and social impact (SIA) studies are required for Eclipses mining application for the project.
Work for the studies will include data collection, mapping and public consultation.
Mr Popal said completing EIA and SIA studies will equip Eclipse with greater understanding of the potential impacts of its proposed mining at Ivittuut.
“In Greenland, all projects need to complete an EIA and SIA as part of any mining licence application so once this work is complete, we will have a better understanding of what’s needed to move forward at Ivittuut,” Mr Popal added.