Ionic Rare Earths Limited’s (ASX: IXR) sixth and final Tranche of Phase 4 drilling results received has proven that all 66 holes intersected rare earth element (REE) mineralised clay above the Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) cut-off grade at the Makuutu Rare Earths Project in Uganda.
The latest results of assays come from Tranche Six of the 8,220 m Phase four drill programme completed in October 2021 at Makuutu.
The Phase four drilling has confirmed that Makuutu is a large scale, ionic adsorption clay (IAC) hosted rare earth element (REE) project, with extension potential identified east and to the northwest.
The Project is well supported by existing infrastructure and is one of a few confirmed IAC deposits identified globally, outside of China.
Drill assay results have been received for the final 66 drill holes of the programme making up the Tranche 6 submission. The results are for holes drilled within the existing inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) at the large resource area I, located within RL00234.
All 66 holes have delivered clay and saprolite mineralisation intersections above the cut-off grade of 200 ppm Total Rare Earth Oxide less CeO2 (TREO-CeO2) and demonstrated mineralisation consistent with both the initial drilling phases (2019 and H1 2020) and the current MRE.
The results add to the previous five tranches, which has now reported all 432 drill holes completed within the Phase 4 drill programme returning clay and saprolite mineralisation intersections above the cut-off grade.
Managing Director Tim Harrison said Area I shows a consistent REE mineralised profile, moderately lower grade than other areas of the project with a low degree of grade variability.
“These latest tranche six drill assays complete what has been an extraordinary drill programme where all 432 drill holes completed have returned REE bearing clays above the cut-off grade which is a clear reflection of the significant scale and continuity of the mineralised system at Makuutu,” Mr Harrison said.
“With this batch, the Phase four drilling assay data have all been delivered, and the update MRE estimation has commenced. The Makuutu resource remains on course for a significant upgrade in confidence in the near term, with the MRE update advancing Makuutu another step closer to our goal of submitting a mining licence application later in 2022.”
Tranche six Drilling Results Assay results have been received for 66 holes in the sixth and final tranche of assays from the Makuutu Phase 4 drill programme.
The aim of the programme is to increase MRE confidence in the Central Zone plus areas F, G, H and I,
In addition, exploration targets C, E and the area between the Central Zone and Central Zone East have been infill drilled to support resource estimation of these zones. This is expected to add to the overall scale of the MRE at Makuutu given TREO-CeO2 grades and interval thicknesses delivered in these areas.
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