Summit is preparing to start maiden drilling at its Stallion rare earth elements project east of Kalgoorlie after securing Programme of Works approval.

The company is understandably keen to do so given that the historical exploration at the project had intersected REE enrichment in the granitic bedrock underlying the paleochannels.

Notable results from historical sampling, which assayed for just four of the 17 REE, included up to 2,666 parts per million partial rare earth oxides (pREO).

As such, the 16 hole program totalling 500m, which is designed to validate historical results and test the extent of REE mineralisation for follow-up targets, will also target the confining ‘hot granites’ adjacent to a paleochannel as a potential shallow source for the indicated REE mineralisation.

Summit Minerals (ASX:SUM) has completed drilling preparations and is awaiting mobilisation of a rig by contractor K&J Drilling of Kalgoorlie to the site.

“The approval and the commencement of drilling marks an essential step forward in the company’s growth. It consolidates our on-ground plans for building value at the Stallion REE project,” managing director Jonathan King said.

“Summit continues to focus on building momentum with its exploration work programs, gaining relevant approvals and planning for initial drill programs.

“Exploration is ongoing with proposed mapping and soil sampling programs targeting our lithium and antimony projects.”

REE prospectivity

The company has actively sought to increase its landholding around the Stallion project – acquiring, in two separate occasions last month new ground which hosts outcropping extensions of the same rare-earth enriched granite.

Hot granites typically carry a strong radiometric signature as they are enriched in the radioelement’s uranium, thorium, and potassium.

This could help with targeting REEs as they are commonly associated with uranium and thorium through the phosphate minerals, apatite and monazite.

 

 

 

This article was developed in collaboration with Summit Minerals, 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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