Gold and REE mineralisation confirmed at Laverton

Catalina Resources (ASX: CTN) has confirmed the presence of a structurally hosted high temperature mineralising system at its Laverton project in WA.

Previously announced results, targeting gold, returned intercepts including 18m at 1.16g/t from 127m, which hosted 3m at 3.41g/t (LVRC02). Before the RC drilling, air core drilling intersected 28m at 1.09g/t from 57m (LVAC049).

In holes targeted to gold mineralisation, LVRC01, LVRC02 and LVRC03, anomalous multi-elements including antimony, tungsten, arsenic, bismuth, molybdenum and scandium were also intersected, pointing to laterally continuous mineralisation possibly extending to depth.

This geochemical fingerprint is characteristic of high-temperature, granite-related gold systems that have supported some of the Goldfields’ largest mines.

The REE mineralisation occurs in a flat-lying saprolite rich clay horizon beneath a 15-20m blanket of transported colluvium. The new RC results confirm that this anomalism is both repeatable and geologically consistent, further strengthening the cases for Mt Weld intrusive influence.

These results provide the first indication of REE fertility in the weathered profile at the Laverton project.

Neodymium and praseodymium, critical rare earths used in permanent magnets for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, were also detected —emphasising the project’s broader critical minerals potential.

As gold remains to be Catalina’s primary exploration focus, the REE results provide an additional layer of opportunity for existing shareholders.

Catalina executive director Ross Cotton says these results continue to highlight the potential of the Laverton project.

“The confirmation of a mineralising system, supported by multi-element geochemistry and rare earth anomalism, reinforces the quality of the ground we are exploring,” he said.

“While our immediate focus remains on advancing the gold potential, the presence of REE enrichment adds an additional dimension of interest and opportunity for Catalina.”

Metallurgical test work will now be undertaken at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Australia’s national authority on critical minerals processing and a global leader in REE recovery research.