High-grade assay results at Harts Range Project
06/11/2024 07:00
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RNS Number : 0756L Castillo Copper Limited 06 November 2024
6 November 2024
CASTILLO COPPER LIMITED
("Castillo", "CCZ" or the "Company")
high-grade assays up to 29.80% Nb(2)O(5) & 14.04% u(3)O(8) validate harts
range project potential
Castillo Copper Limited (LSE and ASX: CCZ), a base metal explorer primarily
focused on copper across Australia and Zambia, is delighted to confirm that
assayed rock chip samples (Figure 1) - collected from the Cusp and Bobs
Prospects during the geology team's three-day due diligence site visit in
October 2024 - improved on historical results(1,2) (refer Appendix A).
Holistically, the high-grade readings - up to 29.80% Nb(2)O(5), 14.04%
U(3)O(8), 1.63% Dy(2)O(3), 0.22% Tb(4)O(7) and 23.02% Ta(2)O(5) - validate the
Harts Range Project's significant exploration potential for Niobium, Uranium
and HREE mineralisation.
HIGHLIGHTS:
· Assays from rock chips samples - collected from outcropping
pegmatites during the geology team's recent due diligence visit to the Harts
Range Project - improved on historical results(1,2) returning excellent
high-grade readings up to 29.80% Nb(2)O(5), 14.04% U(3)O(8), 1.63% Dy(2)O(3),
0.22% Tb(4)O(7) and 23.02% Ta(2)O(5) (Figure 1)
o These results clearly validate the significant exploration potential
apparent for Niobium, Uranium and HREE mineralisation at the Cusp and Bobs
Prospects
FIGURE 1: ROCK CHIP ASSAYS FROM OCTOBER 2024 FIELD TRIP
Sample ID Nb(2)O(5) U(3)O(8) Dy(2)O(3) Tb(4)O(7) Ta(2)O(5)
HRS001 9.11% 13.48% 1.55% 0.20% 20.95%
HRS002 10.07% 14.04% 1.63% 0.22% 23.02%
HRS003 29.80% 10.10% 1.29% 0.21% 6.26%
HRS004 25.46% 8.54% 1.13% 0.18% 4.77%
Source: Intertek (Perth)(3) (Refer to Appendix B)
· To expedite advancing its comprehensive and systematic exploratory
programme, the geology team will shortly return to site to undertake a
reconnaissance campaign to investigate incremental historic prospects, new /
legacy pegmatite occurrences
· Further, to facilitate fast-tracking regional exploration efforts,
requests for quotes (RFQs) have been sent to several service providers to
undertake heliborne radiometric and magnetic surveys that are critical to
identify targets for subsequent follow up
· CCZ is well funded as the Board's ongoing non-core asset
rationalisation exercise has generated significant incremental value to date
that is being rechannelled into accelerating exploration efforts at the Harts
Range Project
Ged Hall, Chairman, commented: "Validating the historical assays results is a
tremendous outcome and clearly underpins the Harts Range Project's significant
exploration potential for Niobium, Uranium and HREE mineralisation. As a
result, the Board is accelerating exploratory efforts, with the geology team
set to return to site shortly to undertake further field work, while
systematically selecting a contractor to undertake heliborne geophysical
surveys. With a significant pipeline for forward exploratory work, the Board
will apprise the market of developments as they materialise."
ASSAYS VALIDATE HARTS RANGE PROJECT
Field trip observations
During the three-day due diligence site visit, the geology team undertook the
following tasks at the Cusp and Bobs Prospects:
· Verified historical rock chip locations;
· Took field readings for radiation and mineralisation with RadEye and
pXRF devices respectively; and
· Collected fresh rock chip samples - HRS001-4 (refer Figure 2, 3 &
4) - which were sent to Intertek (Perth) to be assayed utilising the sodium
peroxide fusion method.
FIGURE 2: ROCK CHIPS @ CUSP PROSPECT
Location: Cusp Prospect 507859E 7447753N (Sample: HRS003)
Source: CCZ geology team & Barfuss Corporation
FIGURE 2: ROCK CHIP SAMPLE LOCATIONS AT CUSP PROSPECT
Source: CCZ geology team & Barfuss Corporation
FIGURE 3: ROCK CHIP SAMPLE LOCATIONS AT BOBS PROSPECT
Source: CCZ geology team & Barfuss Corporation
Expediting Exploration Programme and Next Steps
With the assays validating the Harts Range Project's (Figure 4) significant
exploration potential, the geology team has received the green light from the
Board to accelerate advancing its comprehensive and systematic exploration
programme on two fronts:
· The geology team will shortly return to site to undertake further
field work and reconnaissance programmes to investigate additional historic
prospects plus new / legacy pegmatite occurrences; and,
· RFQs have been sent to several service providers to undertake
heliborne radiometric and magnetic surveys that are critical to identifying
targets for subsequent follow up.
A key positive for the Harts Range Project is its proximity to Alice Springs
and accessibility via sealed roads / well-kept pastoral tracks. This will
enable the geology team to make multiple trips to site over the next 12-18
months to facilitate rapidly progressing development work.
FIGURE 4: HARTS RANGE PROJECT
Source: CCZ geology team
Castillo Copper Limited confirms that it is not aware of any new information
or data that materially affects the information included in this market
announcement and that all material assumptions and technical parameters
underpinning all results and estimates in this market announcement continue to
apply and have not materially changed.
For further information, please contact:
Castillo Copper Limited +61 8 6558 0886
Gerrard Hall (UK), Chairman
SI Capital Limited (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker) +44 (0)1483 413500
Nick Emerson
Gracechurch Group (Financial PR) +44 (0)20 4582 3500
Harry Chathli, Alexis Gore, Henry Gamble
REFERENCES
1) CCZ ASX Release - 21 & 28 October 2024
2) Barfuss, R. (Barfuss Corporation Pty Ltd) 19 November 2007: "A
Brief report on Samarskite Mineralisation in the Harts Range Project"
(unpublished report) and Barfuss, R. (Barfuss Corporation) 2014: The Harts
Range Project Exploration Licence (EL 24552) - inclusive of the following
references:
a. Caughey, A.R. (Flagstaff Geo Consultants Pty Ltd.), November 2007:
Annual Report for Exploration Licence EL24552 for the period ending 25(th)
August 2007 (for Barfuss Corporation Pty. Ltd.)
b. Caughey, R. (Flagstaff Geo Consultants Pty Ltd.) 2002 to 2006:
various unpublished reports for Barfuss Corporation Pty. Ltd.
c. PNC Exploration (Australia): various open-file tenement annual,
final and partial relinquishment reports,1994 to 1997; Report Numbers
CR1994-0325, CR995-0298, CR1995-0525, CR1995-0697, CR-1996-0285, CR1996-0286,
CR-1997-0611. *
d. Rutter, H. (Flagstaff Geo Consultants Pty Ltd.) 2006. 'An analysis
of airborne radiometric data from the Harts Range, N.T.' (unpublished report)
e. Shaw, R.D., Senior, B.R., Offe, L.A., Stirzaker, J.F., Walton,
D.G., Apps, H.E., Freeman, M.J.1:250,000 Geological Map Series Explanatory
Notes Illogwa Creek SF53-15. Bureau of Mineral Resources Australia &
Northern Territory Geological Survey,1985.
Note: * Open file company reports sourced from the Northern Territory Mineral
Industry Reports Management System (IRMS). Available at:
https://geoscience.nt.gov.au/gemis/ntgsjspui/handle/1/3
3) Riley, A. (31 October 2024) - Minerals Test Report (Unpublished for
CCZ). Produced by: https://www.intertek.com/
COMPETENT PERSONS STATEMENT
I, Mark Biggs, confirm that I am the Competent Person for the Competent Person
Report from which the information to be publicly released has been obtained
and confirm that:
· I have read and understood the requirements of
the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration
Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code, 2012 Edition) and the
relevant sections of Chapter 5 and Guidance Note 31 from the ASX Listing
Rules.
· I am a Competent Person as defined by the JORC
Code 2012 edition, having 35 years of experience that is relevant to the REE
and industrial mineral copper mineralisation types, quality and potential
mining method(s) of the deposit(s) described in the Report. In addition, I
have 25 years of experience in the estimation, assessment and evaluation of
Exploration Results and Mineral Resource Estimates, the activity for which I
am accepting responsibility.
· I successfully completed an AusIMM Online Course
Certificate in 2012 JORC Code Reporting.
· I am a Member of The Australasian Institute of
Mining and Metallurgy (Member # 107188).
· I have reviewed the Report or Excerpt from the
Report to which this Consent Statement applies.
· I am a consultant working for ROM Resources and
have been engaged by Castillo Copper Limited to prepare the documentation for
various prospects within the Harts Range Prospects on which the Report is
based.
In addition:
· I have disclosed to Castillo Copper Limited the full nature of
the relationship between myself and the Company, including any issues that
could be perceived by investors as a conflict of interest. Mr Biggs is a
director of ROM Resources, a company which is a shareholder of Castillo Copper
Limited. ROM Resources provides ad-hoc geological consultancy services to
Castillo Copper Limited.
· I verify that the Report is based on and fairly and accurately
reflects in the form and context in which it appears, the information in my
supporting documentation relating to Exploration Results and any Mineral
Resource Estimates.
· I consent to the release of the Report and this Consent Statement
by the Directors of Castillo Copper Limited.
NAME JOB TITLE REGISTRATION EXPERIENCE SIGNED
(YEARS)
M Biggs Principal Geologist AusIMM 25
ROM Resources 107188
ABOUT CASTILLO COPPER
Castillo Copper Limited is an Australian-based focussed explorer, with a
strategy to develop multi-commodity assets that demonstrate future potential
as an economic mining operation.
Through the application of disciplined and structured exploration, Castillo
Copper has identified assets deemed core and is actively progressing these
interests up the value curve.
Current focus will be on advancing exploration activity at the Harts Range
Niobium, Uranium and Heavy Rare Earths Project which is circa 120km north-east
from Alice Springs in the Northern Territory.
Other interests include the NWQ Copper Project, situated in the copper-belt
district circa 150km north of Mt Isa in Queensland, Broken Hill Project in
western New South Wales and exploration targets in Zambia.
Castillo Copper is listed on the LSE and ASX under the ticker "CCZ".
APPENDIX A: HISTORICAL ASSAY RESULTS
Cusp Prospect
The Cusp Prospect produced numerous high grade historical rock chips with the
best results returning grades up to 23.2% Nb, 12.7% U and 14.6% TREE,
including 1.88% Dy and 5.89% Ta (Figure A1)(@@).
FIGURE A1: HISTORICAL ROCK CHIP RESULTS - CUSP PROSPECT (PCT)
Sample ID HR419 HR420 HR421 HR480 HR481 HR482 HR483 HR484 HR485 HR486 HR487 HR488 HR490
Niobium (%) 17.5 1.1 22.7 21.0 16.3 23.2 23.0 1.0 24.0 20.6 20.0 19.4 18.0
Uranium (%) 10.1 2.0 11.0 11.4 10.4 12.1 12.2 0.0 11.6 11.2 11.2 11.3 11.3
Yttrium (%) 5.6 16.0 6.9 8.0 3.3 8.6 8.1 0.0 7.9 7.4 8.3 7.8 7.3
Tantalum (%) 9.3 0.9 5.5 7.0 11.0 5.9 6.6 0.1 5.9 4.1 5.2 4.7 6.3
Dysprosium (%) 1.1 0.0 1.6 1.7 0.7 1.9 1.7 0.0 1.8 1.6 1.8 1.7 1.5
Terbium (%) 0.18 0.05 0.24 0.27 0.10 0.29 0.27 <0.01 0.27 0.25 0.27 0.26 0.24
Note: Niobium is typically coincident with Heavy Rare Earths mineralisation,
Tantalum and Uranium
Source: Barfuss Corporation
The historical reports indicate that Niobium-Tantalum and Heavy Rare Earths
were identified in pegmatites running circa east-west, up to 10m thick and
over 70m long@.
Bobs and Bobs West Prospect
The Bobs and Bobs West Prospects are located circa 1.5-2km along the same
strike and to the west of the Cusp Prospect, exhibiting similar underlying
mineralisation traits and geological settings.
Like the Cusp Prospect, the Bobs and Bobs West Prospects delivered multiple
high grade historical rock chips, with the best results returning grades up to
3.4% Nb, 16.3% TREE, including up to 1.54% Dy and 14.9% Ta(1@@) (Figure A2).
FIGURE A2: HISTORICAL ROCK CHIP RESULTS - BOBS & BOBS WEST PROSPECTS (PCT)
Sample ID HR499 HR500 HR501 HR502 HR503 HR504 HR505 HR506 HR507 HR508 HR509 HR510
Niobium (%) 3.0 3.2 3.1 3.1 3.3 3.2 3.4 3.2 3.3 34 3.1 2.9
Uranium (%) 11.5 9.2 10.6 10.0 11.2 10.5 11.1 11.7 11.9 11.3 12.7 12.6
Yttrium (%) 10.0 8.8 9.2 9.2 11.1 9.9 10.9 11.1 10.2 11.4 10.5 10.0
Tantalum (%) 13.4 13.9 14.7 13.5 14.7 14.0 14.3 14.2 14.0 14.9 14.5 12.3
Dysprosium (%) 1.4 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.5 1.3 1.5 1.5 0.1 1.5 1.5 1.5
Terbium (%) 0.19 0.16 0.17 0.17 0.21 0.19 0.22 0.18 0.18 0.21 0.19 0.19
Source: Barfuss Corporation
APPENDIX B: CURRENT ASSAY RESULTS
FIGURE B1-1: SAMPLE DESCRIPTIONS
Sample ID Easting Northing Location Samarskite Estimate % Description
HRS001 506176 7447415 Bobs 0-1 Grey, dense pegmatite. Fine grain texture comprised of quartz, microcline
feldspar and muscovite, ~1cm wide rock chip samples. Varying degree of
radiation ranging between 15-100 mSv. Samples collected from ~1foot deep into
weathered pegmatite
HRS002 506168 7447412 Bobs 0-5 Grey, dense pegmatite. Fine grain texture comprised of quartz, microcline
feldspar and muscovite ~1cm wide rock chip samples. Varying degree of
radiation ranging between 15-100 micro mSv. Additional dense and dark
minerals, metallic lustre, ~ 0.5cm, ranging between 15-100 mSv. Samples
collected from ~1foot deep into weathered pegmatite.
HRS003A 507859 7447753 Cusp 2-15 Samarskitic pegmatite. Hard black minerals, metallic lustre. Very dense.
Ranging in size from 0.5cm-4cm. Ranging in radiation from 20-100 mSv. Samples
collected using geo pick from fresh pegmatite.
*Mineralised crystal sample present in quartz. Hand specimen ~4cm. Image
attached.
HRS003B 507860 7447755 Cusp Nil Pegmatite, appears unmineralised.
HRS004 507859 7447754 Cusp 1-10 Samarskitic pegmatite. Hard black minerals, metallic lustre. Very dense.
Ranging in size from 0.5cm-4cm. Ranging in radiation from 20-100 mSv. Samples
collected using geo pick from fresh pegmatite.
Notes: Coordinates in MGA94Z53S
Source: CCZ geology team
FIGURE B1-2: TREO RESULTS
FP6/MS TREO (ppm) TREO-Ce (ppm) LREO (ppm) HREO (ppm) CREO % MREO %
Description Ag Th U Ce La Y Dy Er Eu Gd Ho Lu Nd Pr Sm Tb Tm Yb
Sample ID ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm ppm
HRS001 Pegmatite <2 11,061 114,346 485 233 93,860 13,498 7,419 184 5,642 2,535 782 1,073 142 1,807 1,715 1,127 7,175
Bobs
Avge. Element 11,061 114,346 485 233 93,860 13,498 7,419 184 5,642 2,535 782 1,073 142 1,807 1,715 1,127 7,175
Avge.Oxide 595 273 119,193 15,492 8,483 213 6,503 2,904 889 1,252 172 2,883 2,018 1,287 8,170 170,328 169,733 5,175 165,153 81.1% 12.8%
HRS002 Pegmatite <2 10,794 119,047 429 115 108,080 14,212 7,841 189 6,136 2,678 841 1,032 118 1,954 1,845 1,203 7,777
HRS002D Duplicate <2 10,559 117,776 437 116 106,972 14,359 ,791 219 6,148 2,693 834 1,046 119 1,974 1,855 1,186 7,565
Bobs
Avge. Element 10,677 118,411 433 116 107,526 14,285 7,816 204 6,142 2,686 838 1,039 118 1,964 1,850 1,195 7,671
Avge.Oxide 531 136 136,547 16,395 8,937 236 7,079 3,077 953 1,212 143 3,134 2,176 1,364 8,735 190,655 190,124 5,156 185,500 82.1% 15.8%
HRS003A Samaskarite 14 11,440 85,639 2,201 684 56,791 11,220 4,077 164 7,309 1,687 344 3,013 426 3,429 1,756 559 3,334
Cusp
Avge. Element 11,440 85,639 2,201 684 56,791 11,220 4,077 164 7,309 1,687 344 3,013 426 3,429 1,756 559 3,334
Avge.Oxide 2,704 802 72,119 12,877 4,663 189 8,424 1,933 391 3,514 514 5,473 2,066 638 3,797 120,105 117,401 13,007 107,098 75.6% 27.4%
HRS003B Pegmatite <2 81 614 12 3 438 80 29 1 53 12 3 20 3 24 13 4 25
Cusp
Avge. Element 81 614 12 3 438 80 29 1 53 12 3 20 3 24 13 4 25
Avge.Oxide 15 4 556 92 33 1 61 14 3 23 3 39 15 4 28 891 876 84 807 77.1% 26.1%
HRS004 Samaskarite 12 9,652 72,383 716 61 48,979 9,861 3,590 144 6,319 1,517 309 2,024 212 2,829 1,525 492 2,964
Cusp
Avge. Element 9,652 72,383 716 61 48,979 9,861 3,590 144 6,319 1,517 309 2,024 212 2,829 1,525 492 2,964
Avge.Oxide 880 72 62,199 11,317 4,105 167 7,283 1,737 351 2,361 257 4,514 1,794 562 3,375 100,973 100,093 8,083 92,890 77.1% 27.3%
Notes: Coordinates in MGA94Z53S
Source: CCZ geology team
APPENDIX C: JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE 1
The following JORC Code (2012 Edition) Table 1 is primarily supplied to
provide background for the recent geological mapping, and rock chip sampling
program, mostly conducted by the Castillo Copper geology team, from several
prospects within the Harts Range Project during mid-October 2024.
Readers are also referred to previous ASX releases concerning these deposits
on the 14(th) and 28(th) October 2024.
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
CRITERIA JORC CODE EXPLANATION COMMENTARY
Sampling techniques · Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, · Surface samples were collected from approximately a 3m radius
or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the around the recorded co-ordinate location. The rock chip fragments that were
minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF collected to make up the sample included fragments that approximately ranged
instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad from 2-5cm and 0.2 - 3kg in weight. A total of five (5) rock chip samples
meaning of sampling. were collected in calico bags and were progressed for laboratory analysis
(sample numbers range from HRS001 to 004). Samples (e.g. Figure C1-1) were
· Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample collected from rock outcrops in the vicinity of west to east trending
representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or pegmatite dykes. Many of the surface samples contained the U-bearing mineral
systems used. samarskite. The radioactivity of the samples was determined by a RadEye
instrument in the field.
· Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material
to the Public Report.
· In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would Figure C1-1 Sample of Samarskite at the Cusp Prospect
be relatively simple (e.g. 'reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1
m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire
assay'). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there
is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or
mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of
detailed information.
Drilling techniques · Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were
rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, drilled.
triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face sampling bit or other
type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc).
Drill sample recovery · Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were
and results assessed. drilled.
· Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure
representative nature of the samples.
· Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade
and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of
fine/coarse material.
Logging · Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and · Descriptions of the rock chip and soil samples are given in a
geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral table contained in Figure B1-1 of this CCZ's ASX Announcement dated the 6(TH)
Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. of November 2024.
· Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core · Where appropriate strike and dip measurements were taken at
(or costean, channel, etc) photography. several sites, additional to the five (5) rock chip sample sites. Measuring
bedding is difficult because of the high metamorphically - disturbed rock
· The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections types.
logged.
Subsampling techniques and sample preparation · If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all · Of the sample collected about 0.3-2kg of rock chip were presented
core taken. for analyses.
· If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and · Assays were done by independent laboratory Intertek Pty Ltd at
whether sampled wet or dry. Maddington in Perth WA during October 2024, with the final reported dated
31/10/2024. The samples were sorted and dried. Primary preparation was then
· For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of by crushing the whole sample. The whole sample was pulverised in a vibrating
the sample preparation technique. disc pulveriser.
· Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to · All samples were initially crushed to 4 mm then pulverised to 75
maximise representivity of samples. microns, with at least 85% passing through 75 microns. Standard sample
preparation and analyses procedures were performed on all samples and are
· Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of considered appropriate techniques.
the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field
duplicate/second-half sampling.
· Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the
material being sampled.
Quality of assay data and laboratory tests · The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and · Analytical Methods are described in detail as follows:
laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or
total.
· For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, · Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Mn, P, Sc, V, Al, Ca, Na, K, S have been
etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry.
and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation,
etc. · As, Ag, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Ga, Li, Mo, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, W, Y, La, Ce,
Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, U, Se, In, Te, Cs, Re, Tl
· Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry.
blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels The samples have been fused with Sodium Peroxide and subsequently the melt has
of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. been dissolved in dilute Hydrochloric acid for analysis. Because of the high
furnace temperatures, volatile elements are lost. This procedure is
particularly efficient for determination of Major element composition
(Including Silica) in the samples or for the determination of refractory
mineral species.
· B, Cr, Si, Fe, Mg, Ti have been determined by Inductively Coupled
Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry.
· Ge, Ta, Hf, Zr, Nb, Rb have been determined by Inductively
Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry.
· The assay results were in line with previous rock chip sampling
since 2006 at Harts Range.
Verification of sampling and assaying · The verification of significant intersections by either · Independent Laboratory assaying by Intertek has confirmed, within
independent or alternative company personnel. acceptable limits, the occurrences of high-grade Nb, U, and REE from the
initial in field XRF readings. Laboratory standards and duplicates were used
· The use of twinned holes. in accordance with standard procedures for geochemical assaying as noted
below.
· Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data
verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. · It has met the recommended insertion rates for the company QAQC
controls (given the small batch size one standard, and one blank). However,
· Discuss any adjustment to assay data. one (1) field duplicates were included in the three (3) batches and is
recommended that 3% be included in future sampling programs.
Location of data points · Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes · The spatial location for the rock chips and soils collected
(collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations during the October 2024 fieldwork were collected by handheld GPS (-/+ 5m
used in Mineral Resource estimation. accuracy) [MGA94 Zone53]: The table of reported rock chip locations and
descriptions are given in throughout the ASX release and in Figure B1-1 in
· Specification of the grid system used. Appendix B preceding.
· Quality and adequacy of topographic control.
Data spacing and distribution · Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. · The Harts Range licenses lie north-west of the Entia Dome and are
underlain by the Harts Range Group (Harts Range Meta-igneous Complex), which
· Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to predominantly consists of feldspar-biotite-amphibole-garnet gneisses. The
establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Harts Range region at has undergone repeated and substantial crustal reworking
Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications between Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times and is now thought to represent an
applied. ancient and strongly altered/metamorphosed version of a continental collision
zone.
· Whether sample compositing has been applied.
· Most of the observed mineralisation is related to a swarm of west
to east and southeast-trending pegmatite dykes, WITH quartz veining and
containing irregularly an anomalous occurrence of the U-bearing mineral
samarskite.
· At the Cusp Prospect, niobium-HREE-Tantalum identified in
pegmatites running approximately east-west, up to 10 metres thick and over 70
metres long.
· At Bob's Prospect niobium-HREE-Tantalum mineralisation in
pegmatites trend east-west and is several metres thick and over 30 metres
long, with similar geological setting to the Cusp Prospect.
· 200m west of Bobs (Bobs West), outcropping pegmatite along the
same orientation, hosted exclusively within felsic gneiss of the Irindina
Gneiss. The pegmatite is semi-continuous for ~300m with a similar geological
setting and has notably large green muscovite flakes present.
· The Niobium Anomaly Prospect is another variant with high Niobium
results but low in rare earths and uranium. Elevated radiometrics located with
the scintillometer recorded 1,300 cps within a small historic pit at the top
of a knoll. Anomalies appear to correlate with intrusions of porphyritic
"granitoid" and granitic gneiss, which are geologically consistent with the
pegmatites mapped at Bob's and the Cusp Prospects.
· The Thorium Anomaly Prospect was previously located via airborne
radiometric images. The radiometric anomalies are low order (10 to 20x
background) compared to the spot anomalies at Bob's and Cusp (50-200x
background). Anomalies appear to correlate with intrusions of porphyritic
"granitoid" and granitic gneiss, which presumably are geologically features
like the pegmatites at Bob's and the Cusp Prospects.
Orientation of data in relation to geological structure · Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of · In general, the strata of the area surrounding the pegmatite
possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the dykes in the Harts Range Meta-Igneous Complex dip steeply (>45 degrees) to
deposit type. the north and strike between east to southeast.
· If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the · Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed
orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a mineralisation along and across strike of the line of lode of the mineralised
sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and across the
four (4) anomalous areas originally identified in the planning stage.
· However, no modern systematic exploration has been conducted, nor
any of the mineralised prospects have ever been drilled.
Sample security · The measures taken to ensure sample security. · The rock chip samples taken during the historical fieldwork were
securely locked within the vehicle on site until delivered to Perth by the
field personnel for despatch to the laboratory (Intertek in WA) by courier.
Audits or reviews · The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and · No other external audits sampling techniques and data have yet
data. been planned or undertaken.
Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
CRITERIA JORC CODE EXPLANATION COMMENTARY
Mineral tenement and land tenure status · Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including · The Harts Range Project lies in the southeast of the Northern
agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, Territory, roughly 120 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs. Two granted
partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, tenements (EL 32046 and 32513) comprising a total 110 km(2) tenement package
wilderness or national park and environmental settings. is located near essential infrastructure and accessible via the Plenty
Highway.
· The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along
with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. in · A check on the tenures status was completed in the NTGS system
the area. 'Strike' on the 10(th) of October 2024, to validate the currentness of the
exploration areas. All are current.
· The Harts Range Project lies in the southeast of the Northern
Territory, roughly 120 kilometres northeast of Alice Springs. The region is
serviced by excellent roads (Stuart Highway), train (the famous Ghan rail) and
bus links connect the area.
· Domestic and some international flights are available from Alice
Springs (1 hour drive south of Harts Range) while all international flights
are available direct from Darwin.
· As a major regional centre, the town of Alice Springs provides
public and private schools. There are churches, supermarkets, speciality
shops, hotels, motels, cafés & restaurants, medical centres.
· There is a professional police and emergency services presence
throughout the area. Local professional and trade services support the
community and the mining industry. Mobile phone and internet access are good.
Exploration done by other parties · Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. · Historical "Strike"-based mineral exploration reports have been
reviewed for historical tenures that cover or partially cover the Project Area
in this announcement. Federal and State Government reports supplement the
historical mineral exploration reporting (QDEX open file exploration records).
· Most explorers were searching for either Cu-Au-U, gemstones, or
industrial minerals in the 1990's, and proving satellite deposit style
extensions to the several small subeconomic uranium or copper deposits.
· The project is flanked by Independence Group (IGO) to the north,
south and west. IGO is exploring for a raft of critical battery minerals.
Geology · Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation. Regional Geology
· The Harts Range Niobium, Uranium-Heavy Rare Earth Project lies
north-west of the Entia Dome (Figure C2-1) and is underlain by the Harts Range
Group (Harts Range Meta-igneous Complex), which predominantly consists of
feldspar-biotite-amphibole-garnet gneisses.
· The Harts Range region has undergone repeated and substantial
crustal re-working between Proterozoic and Palaeozoic times. As a result, it
is now believed to represent an ancient and strongly altered/metamorphosed
version of a continental collision zone.
· Magnetotellurics data interpreted by a team consisting of
Adelaide University and NTGS geologists (Selway et al, 2006)1 suggests the
Entia Dome system is a deep-crustal feature that can be shown extending to the
mantle.
· The below maps (Figures C2-2 and C2-3) show a traverse through
the Arunta from north to south and skirted around the dome to the east and
highlighting a major subduction zone to the north of the dome. The latter
diagram shows the distribution of regional stratigraphic units.
Figure C2-1: Regional Structure Plan
Figure C2-2: West to East Regional Crustal Cross-section
Figure C2-3: Regional Geology
Local Geology
· The main rock types mapped and sampled at various REE Prospects
include:
§ Biotite Schist/Granofels: brown-blackish biotite-rich rock; thin (5-10cm)
poorly exposed zone on N side of ~6m thick unit/zone of similar rock (e.g.
HR398, HR399 sites) (on N side of HR399).
§ Pegmatite, ?apatite-bearing: scree frags near W end of E-W pegmatite, near
intersection with north-south calcite vein; very coarse-grained
feldspar-quartz with common coarse ?apatite - pale semi-translucent slightly
greenish (rare honey-brown) blocky/tabular/hexagonal, some intergrown with
feldspar/quartz.
§ Garnet-?Cummingtonite rock: coarse-grained rock; with abundant interstitial
pale greenish malachite-?magnesite material; small patch of subcrop amongst
scree.
§ Gneiss: weathered, moderately banded, fine-to-medium grained
quartz-feldspar-hornblende-garnet; some coarser quartz-garnet rock; some brown
haematite on fractures; sample below HR444.
§ ULTRAMAFIC: slightly weathered medium grained, greenish/brownish
?amphibole/olivine-dominated ?meta-ultramafic.
§ Amphibolite: grey fine-grained hornblende -quartz rock; (approx. adjacent
rough channel samples: HR461 (1m) above HR462 (3m) above HR463 (3m) above
HR464 (1m)).
§ Samarskite (or similar), being a dense brittle blackish lustrous
radioactive mineral; cluster of 10+ fragments, most over 1cm (or broken
weathered larger piece - ca. 5-10 cm?) in chalky white feldspar, beside
weathered coarse mica beneath soil cover along southern side of quartz vein in
a pegmatite core.
Drillhole Information · A summary of all information material to the understanding of the · Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results presented.
exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for
all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar
▪ elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of
the drill hole collar
▪ dip and azimuth of the hole o down hole length and interception depth o
hole length.
· If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis
that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from
the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain
why this is the case.
Data aggregation methods · In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, · Independent Laboratory Assay results for the 5 rock chip samples
maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and from various Harts Range Prospects were averaged if more than one reading or
cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. determination was given (see Figure B1-2 in Appendix B). There was no cutting
of high-grade REE results as they are directly relatable to high grade
· Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of mineralisation styles readily visible in the relevant samples.
high-grade results and longer lengths of low-grade results, the procedure used
for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such · There were no cut-off grades factored into any reporting of the
aggregations should be shown in detail. laboratory assay results.
· The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values
should be clearly stated.
Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths · These relationships are particularly important in the reporting · The 2006-7 rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from
of Exploration Results. observed mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite
dyke, secondary structures, and surrounding spoil heaps. Twenty-one (21)
· If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill rock chip samples collected from rock faces and/or outcrops.
hole angle is known, its nature should be reported.
· Eight (8) rock chip samples collected from stockpiles, shaft
· If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, waste piles, and/or boulders of rock onsite.
there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true
width not known').
Diagrams · • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations · Appropriate diagrams are presented in the body and the Appendices
of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported of the current ASX Release. Where scales are absent from the diagram, grids
These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar have been included and clearly labelled to act as a scale for distance.
locations and appropriate sectional views.
· Maps and Plans presented in the current ASX Release are in MGA94
Zone 53, Eastings (mN), and Northing (mN), unless clearly labelled otherwise.
Balanced reporting · • Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is · Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed
not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke,
widths should be practiced avoiding misleading reporting of Exploration secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and to the north and south of
Results. the line of lode to check the validity of two (2) of the defined anomalous map
areas.
Other substantive exploration data · Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be · The area is covered by regional airborne government and private
reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical radiometric, gravity, magnetic, and hyperspectral surveys. Unfortunately,
survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of other than the 2006 radiometric ground survey, no other ground surveys have
treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical been undertaken. More detailed ground radiometric surveys are planned.
and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances.
· Substantial historical and current ground geochemical (stream
sediment, soil, and rock chip samples have been undertaken and two episodes of
shallow drilling, mostly for industrial minerals (gemstones and vermiculite)
by the owners of the leases, since 2006.
Further work · The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for · A future exploration strategy should encompass the following
lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). steps in subsequent field programs:
· Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions,
including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas,
provided this information is not commercially sensitive. § Reconnaissance mapping programs.
§ Close-spaced radiometric geophysical surveys.
§ Detailed mapping and rock chip sampling across prospects.
§ Regional soil sampling campaigns.
§ Mineral characterisation studies and petrological analysis.
§ Trenching and bulk sample test work.
§ Target generation and prioritisation; and
§ Exploratory drill-testing.
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