• Geophysical review over CuFE’s exploration ground identifies nine targets that could host carbonatite intrusive niobium and REE mineralisation
  • Target 001 defined by two ovoid pipe shaped bodies with a strike of ~1.5km and depth of up to 1.5km
  • Land access agreement progressing
  • Further exploration will identify the presence of any niobium/REE mineralisation and potential drill targets

 

Special Report: CuFE’s geophysical review of its West Arunta tenure has identified nine target areas from airborne magnetic data that have the potential to host niobium and rare earths.

The West Arunta region has captured investor attention after explorer/ developer WA1 Resources (ASX:WA1) unveiled top shelf grades of niobium and rare earths, including a top intersection of 30m at 4.7%.

It’s one of many high-grade hits which compare very well to the three major niobium mines in the world; two are between 1% and 2.5% ore grade, the third at around 0.5%.

CuFe’s (ASX:CUF) tenements are adjacent to Lycaon Resources’ (ASX:LYN) Stansmore project, which is just 90km from WA1’s acreage.

Its tenure covers several magnetic anomalies that show some similarities to recent carbonatite/niobium discoveries in the region.

CuFe (ASX:CUF)
Identified targets in West Arunta. Pic: CuFe

 

Targets for further exploration

A geophysical review of available airborne magnetic data – including the re-processing of airborne magnetic data and 3D unconstrained inversion modelling of the reprocessed magnetics – has now identified nine targets that could represent carbonatite intrusive niobium and REE mineralisation in three areas.

CUF highlighted Target 001, which is defined by two vertical to gently plunging ovoid pipe shaped bodies that have a strike length of ~1.5km and depth extent of 1-1.5km about 4km east of LYN’s Stansmore target.

The company is also progressing a land access agreement with the Parna Ngururrpa Traditional Owners Group, with their board meeting to consider the agreement in May.

Access to this tenure requires the consent of the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs as the area is a designated Aboriginal Reserve.

“The West Arunta region is really showing its potential with the recent successes of explorers such as WA1 and ENR,” executive director Mark Hancock said.

“We believe our tenements have the right setting to host carbonatite intrusions and niobium and rare earth element (REE) mineralisation.

“The broad geophysical review by Southern Geoscience Consultants (SGC) has quickly identified areas that have potential and will be invaluable in guiding our early and initial exploration work fronts.

“Our access to the tenure is progressing well through the regulatory steps and a land access agreement with the Parna Ngururrpa traditional owners is in draft form.”

 

Next steps

CUF is likely to carry out field inspections, soils sampling, whole rock geochemistry and higher resolution geophysical surveys as the next step of exploration at its West Arunta tenure.

This will help identify the presence of any niobium/REE mineralisation and potential drill targets.

 

 

 

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.

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