MTM will soon have a firmer idea of just what is present at its Pomme rare earths-niobium project in Canada with maiden diamond drilling now underway.

The first pass program of 10 holes totalling 5,000m will evaluate the overall geology of the Pomme carbonatite intrusion and define the geometry, grade and continuity of the REE and niobium mineralisation that it is known to host.

Carbonatites are major sources of both REE and niobium globally and are characterised by significant enrichment in light REE including valuable neodymium and praseodymium, which are used to produce permanent magnets that are found in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.

Drilling will also seek to extend and delineate mineralisation identified by historical drilling which returned intercepts of 508.3m grading 0.43% total rare earth oxides (TREO), 413 parts per million (ppm) niobium oxide and 1.48% phosphate from 73.7m and 478.1m at 0.12% TREO, 340ppm niobium oxide and 2.14% phosphate from 25.9m to end of hole.

MTM Critical Metals (ASX:MTM) had previously carried out a drone magnetic survey to model both the geological and REE mineralisation responses as well as potentially providing an exploration vector as the magnetics can be correlated with the underlying geology.

“Our team in Québec has done an excellent job to prepare for this drilling program and there were no delays in sourcing or mobilising a suitable diamond drill rig,” managing director Lachlan Reynolds said.

“We are excited to get underway with the exploration of the Pomme carbonatite complex for a new rare earth element and niobium deposit and we look forward to updating shareholders as the work progresses.”

Pomme REE-niobium project

Pomme is a known carbonatite intrusion with exceptional results from limited historical drilling that is adjacent to Geomega Resources’ world-class Montviel project, which has Inferred and Indicated Resources of 266Mt grading 1.45% TREO and 0.14% niobium oxide.

This is intriguing as both projects share similar geology and mineralisation.

The project is easily accessible via existing logging roads and has access to hydroelectricity.

It also benefits from access to extensive mining infrastructure and services in the famous Abitibi Belt.

 

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with MTM Critical Metals, 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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