Lindian Resources Limited has issued an update on its drilling efforts at the Kangankunde Rare Earths Project in Malawi, saying phase 2 depth-extension drilling is progressing well.
According to the company, assay results for the latest 16 holes drilled from the phase 1 program show extensive high-grade rare earth mineralisation over continuous long intersections and are ending in mineralisation with grades of up to 14.9 per cent TREO.
All holes drilled have extensive intersections of mineralisation that are non-radioactive and have significant percentages of critical rare earth metal elements neodymium and praseodymium.
Lindian reported that drilling is continuing on the phase 2 program, with the first hole being drilled from the western side of the Central Carbonatite at a depth of 900 m.
The two drill holes, which are planned to be 1,000 m in length, are designed to test the east-to-west and north-to-south axies of the carbonatite between 300 m and 800 m below the hilltop, approximately 500 m below the current deepest drilling to date.
The company noted that the holes will evaluate two areas, namely the western area of the central carbonatite complex and the southern extent of the central carbonatite complex.
In its preliminary metallurgical test work at the site, the company said results demonstrated a mineral concentrate of 60 per cent and a recovery of 70 per cent using water-only, low-cost gravity and magnetic beneficiation techniques.
According to Lindian CEO Alistair Stephens, the outstanding assay results from Kangankunde confirm that it is one of the most significant rare earths project globally in terms of grade, scale and non-radioactivity.
“The continuity of the mineralisation detected so far, with all metres drilled bearing rare earths mineralisation, is indeed unparalleled and reinforces that Kangankunde is a standout rare earths project globally,” he added.
Stephens noted that the company remains on track to report its maiden Mineral Resource Estimate within the quarter.
