iTech Minerals Ltd (ASX: ITM) has confirmed significant REE mineralisation in the second batch of results from recently completed drilling at the Caralue Bluff and IAC REE – Kaolin Prospect in South Australia.
The aim of the initial phase of drilling was to test the potential for ion adsorption clay (IAC) REE mineralisation at the Ethiopia, Bartels, Burtons and Caralue Bluff Prospects on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
iTech said that significant intersections of REEs occur within the weathered horizon at both the Caralue Bluff Prospect and Burtons Prospect, in addition to the previously confirmed Ethiopia and Bartels Prospects.
Managing Director, Mike Schwarz, said all these prospects can now be confirmed to have the potential to form IAC REE style mineralisation.
Metallurgical work on mineralised samples will be required to test the extent to which the REEs are easily leachable.
“The discovery of thick intervals of REEs in the weathering profile at Caralue Bluff, over a distance of eight km, has been a highlight of iTech’s maiden exploration programme to date,” Mr Schwarz said.
“Having recently completed 260 drill holes, covering an area of ~12km x 12km, we look forward to receiving further results from this project.
“The new results from Burtons are also very encouraging with kilometre scale REE mineralisation in the weathering profile identified by the recent drilling.”
Caralue Bluff
The Caralue Bluff Prospect was initially established as a high purity kaolin prospect with the identification of thick intervals of bright white kaolin, close to surface, in several historical drill holes.
During the recently completed drilling programme, iTech geologists noticed that the weathering profile was very similar to prospects at Ethiopia, Bartels and Burtons, where elevated REEs are known to occur.
While thick intervals of white kaolin were visually identified over large areas in the current drilling program, a selected number of holes were also submitted for REE analysis to test the IAC REE potential.
Mr Schwarz said the company was very pleased to receive positive results for REEs for these drill holes and will now analyse all drill holes at the prospect for REEs (260 holes covering an area of 12km x 12km).
The current results suggest the mineralisation may extend over a distance of at least 8km, however results from drill holes between the current results will need to be received to confirm continuity.
For further information please visit: https://www.itechminerals.com.au/
