CR9 plans RC drilling targeting REE and pegmatites at Tampu

A combined air core/RC drill campaign is due to start in September at Tampu
The program is supported by a drill for equity commitment from Westside Drilling
Corella has also received the granting of tenement E70/6578

Special Report: Corella Resources is set to embark on a first ever drilling campaign targeting rare earth and pegmatite targets at the company’s underexplored tenure in WA’s Yilgarn region.

A comprehensive review of Corella’s (ASX:CR9) tenements in January identified two distinct styles of rare earth mineralisation at the Tampu project, which were later followed up by a high-resolution airborne magnetics and radio metric survey.

The survey – the first of its kind in the area – was carried out in the northern part of the tenement package where several pegmatite dykes and variably magnetic intrusives had been interpreted and documented in field.

Results from the survey made way for further exploration including geophysics, soil sampling and analysis to refine the pegmatite areas for drill hole targets ahead of the upcoming program.

Drilling to kick off next month

CR9 is now looking to start a 12 – 20-hole aircore and reverse circulation (RC) drilling program across the REE and pegmatite targets in September, supported by a drill-for-equity commitment from Westside Drilling for 50% of the total drilling costs.

The company says REE pegmatites have been documented in the Bencubbin region, while field observations have identified pegmatites in the Tampu area as well as granites.

The new high-res geophysics work suggests areas of high magnetic response with varied mineralogy. These areas are elevated and weathered down slope to the identified paleochannel.

Pegmatite occurrences have been identified in multiple areas across Corella’s extensive Tampu tenement package, however, outcrop is scarce with elevation and weathering profiles adding complexity to soil sample analysis and interpretation.

Drilling will test the pegmatite targets below the weathering profile.

First ever holes targeting REE and pegmatites

“These will be the first ever holes drilled in the Tampu region to specifically target rare earth elements and pegmatites,” CR9 CEO Jess Maddren said.

“In an area that was previously mapped and interpreted as just granite, our lead-up field work has demonstrated that the region hosts numerous targets for rare earth elements and pegmatites.

“The newly flown high-resolution geophysics has assisted the target generation greatly and ties in well with the recent soil and rock chip sampling assay results.”

Maddren said the Tampu region has a lot of geological complexity that has not been previously investigated.

“We look forward to our maiden REE and pegmatite program and the potential to make a new discovery,” she said.

“We also appreciate the ongoing support from Westside Drilling and their commitment to drill for part equity.”

What else is happening?

CR9 also received the granting of tenement E70/6578 by the Department of Energy, Mines and Industry Resources Safety on 16 August.

The newly granted tenement adds to the existing 100% owned and regional scale Tampu footprint covering 1,922km2 held across six granted exploration tenements and two exploration licence applications (ELA’s).

This article was developed in collaboration with Corella Resources, 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.