CuFe’s niobium rock chip bonanza paves way for drilling

Results from the rock chip sample at CuFe’s North Dam project include 47.1% niobium and 9% tantalum
A heritage survey report has been received with drilling to begin in July
Infill soil sampling work has wrapped up, results will be incorporated into drill plans

Special Report: CuFe’s geology team have uncovered further niobium and tantalum potential from rock chip results at the North Dam project.

CuFe’s (ASX:CUF) North Dam project, 50km south of Coolgardie and 29kms from Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN) Mt Marion Mine, is an early stage exploration project prospective for a host of future facing metals such as lithium, niobium, tantalum and rare earths.

Field work carried out in November 2023 highlighted the presence of lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) type pegmatites with results returning up to 1,770ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), 43.93% niobium, 14.53% tantalum, and up to 3,206ppm Li.

According to the explorer, these pegmatites range in thickness and outcrop as upright, north-north-west trending bodies, coincident with more regional trends.

The team have been busy since then gathering information to help zone in on the more prospective areas, with the aim of planning subsequent drill programs and further works.

Fresh results return 47.1% niobium and 9% tantalum

A new program of rock chip sampling has unearthed high-grade niobium (47.1%) and tantalum (9.01%).

Although the results are from a columbite rock chip sample, CUF believes the grades illustrate the potential of the tenement.

Alongside the sampling program, soil geochemistry work was undertaken to identify the source pegmatites that have likely shed the columbite and tantalite rock chips along a 97m narrow stream bed.

Anomalous niobium was found, boasting characteristics coincident with multiple out cropping pegmatites within the central area of E15/1495, which will be drill tested in the upcoming RC drill program.

Critical minerals other than lithium

“The results show the potential of the pegmatites across the tenement to host critical minerals other than lithium,” CUF executive director Mark Hancock says.

“We are eager to start our maiden drilling program to further understand the potential of the region”.

Drilling and further exploration

A preliminary heritage survey report has now been received and supports performing the planned activities later this month, with drilling continuing to be targeted to begin in July.

Infill soil sampling has been completed in targeted zones and results will be incorporated into the final drill hole plans as results are received.

This article was developed in collaboration with CuFe, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.

This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.