Rare earth element anomalism confirmed at Mt Doreen
Recent surface geochemical sampling at Litchfield Minerals’ (ASX: LMS) Mt Doreen project in the Northern Territory has confirmed the presence of rare earth element (REE) anomalism.
A total of 134 soil and 50 rock chip samples were collected at Mt Doreen to assess REE anomalism within granites and associated erosional sediments.
Rock chip sampling was undertaken to assess REE anomalism within granite outcrops, while soil sampling was undertaken to test the granite-derived sediments surrounding the granites.
Light REE dominated the findings, with an average of 42% cerium, 21% lanthanum and 19% neodymium returned.
The highest-grade REE samples were collected from soils developed on a small, sub-cropping thorium-anomalous granite which spans a length of 300m and peaked at 248 parts per million (ppm) total REE.
Several other highly anomalous REE soil samples were collected in the far northeast.
The highest-grade base metal rock chips were collected from the Patmungala copper prospect, with 10.1% copper and 629ppm total REE returned.
Litchfield managing director and chief executive Matthew Pustahya says the company is extremely pleased with the results.
“These results confirm significant areas of REE anomalism within the granite-derived sediments northeast of Wolfram Hill,” he said.
“The identification of light rare earth elements, particularly cerium, lanthanum and neodymium, highlights the potential for this project to contribute to critical mineral supply chains, which are of increasing importance in today’s global markets.”
Drill testing is required to identify the potential volume of REE anomalous material.