Defense Metals Corp. (TSXV: DEFN | OTCQB: DFMTF | FSE: 35D) has identified new anomalies in a ground radiometric geophysical survey over the Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit, located near Prince George, Canada.
Based on extensive core drilling and surface geologic mapping completed to advance the companys’ ongoing preliminary feasibility study (PFS), the survey results closely map and further define the surface extent of outcropping REE mineralization.
“The radiometric surveys were initially designed to assist our geologic mapping teams and it came as a surprise when we identified new anomalies under cover having a similar geophysical expression to known drilled and outcropping rare earth mineralization,” said Defense Metals director, Kristopher Raffle.
“After reviewing the geophysical data in the context of our updated Wicheeda 3D geological model we recognized the potential for undiscovered near surface, east-dipping carbonatite bodies. We look forward to drill testing these anomalies.”
Two previously unknown linear radiometric anomalies were identified, each approximately 40m in width and extending approximately 250m northwest from the main body of the Wicheeda REE deposit.
Ground truthing showed that the anomalies are overlain entirely by surficial cover which occurs at lower elevations, along the western portion of the Wicheeda deposit.
Several resource definition drill holes undercut the southern half of the eastern anomaly at >150m vertical depth below surface and preclude a subvertical or steeply east dipping source. Drill hole WI21-39 intersected relatively higher-grade carbonatite at depth returning 2.91% total rare earth oxide (TREO) over 45m from a depth of 69m2 downhole that is believed to represent the downdip projection of the eastern radiometric anomaly.
The majority of the eastern and the entirety of the western radiometric anomaly remain untested by core drilling. Defense Metals plans to test the western geophysical anomaly during fall 2023 as part of an expanded programme of pit geotechnical drilling comprising a planned 915m in four holes, with additional drilling subject to initial results.
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