Stromberg and DALY projectS
Heavy Rare Earth Discovery,
Building towards Resource...
In early 2011 the assay results of RC drill samples from the Stromberg Prospect provided a clear indication of significant HREE anomalism with a strike length of approximately 2km. Results were considered excellent and included TURC0074, 7m @ 1.00% TREO. Importantly, 95% of this intersection is the valuable and high demand heavy rare earths with Dysprosium making up 7.6% of the composition and Yttrium making up 65% of the composition.
Recent Excellent Drill Results
A second phase RC program provided another body of exciting results confirming mineralised potential along the prospect. Again, a high proportion of heavy rare earth elements (HREE) with an average of 85.8% above a cut-off of 0.2% TREO were noted. Second round results included, STRC53 8m @ 0.72% TREO (93.5% HREE) and STRC27 3m @ 0.74% TREO (81.5% HREE).
Mineralisation at the Stromberg Prospect is situated at, or very near surface, in flat lying tabular bodies. This gives the prospect two advantages; firstly, providing for a quicker drilling time towards resource, and secondly, with continued successful drilling, improving the likelihood of a lower cost mining scenario.
The following diagram shows a thicker higher grade zone located at surface. Planned holes illustrated on the diagram will target mineralisation where mapping and handheld XRF analysis undertaken in the last quarter and post drilling has shown positive indications for extension of the mineralisation up-hill under cover.
The following diagram illustrates thickening of mineralisation around faults. These faults, are thought to represent feeder and concentration zones for mineralising fluids. These areas represent excellent target zones for further drilling.
Exciting Mineralogical and Metallurgical Test-work
Mineralogical analysis of material from Stromberg drilling has identified that REE mineralisation is contained at least partially within the mineral Xenotime. Xenotime is known for its excellent physical properties, recovery characteristics and is in high demand from the global rare earths processing industry (REE's have a range of uses in a variety of technologies including electrodes, electrolytes, electric filters, lasers and superconductors; various medical applications; and as traces in various materials to enhance the properties of alloys).
Current metallurgical work is testing composite samples from recent drilling and at a range of grades to help determine possible processing methods, minimum cut-off grade, and achievable concentrate grade.
Xenotime Concentrate.
Importantly, analysis also shows that levels of the deleterious element Thorium are low (3.5ppm Th for an average TREO of 0.45% from all significant intersections >0.2%). This may ultimately lead to a more marketable product.
Exploration Upside
Alongside the significant exploration upside at Stromberg, the district has a number of HREE exploration targets defined by airborne radiometric anomalism and repetition of rock units. Of particular current interest, due to a proximity to Stromberg of approximately 5.5km, is the Scaramanga Prospect. Recent handheld XRF work at Scaramanga gave comparative results to Stromberg indicating that significant exploration potential may exist at the near-district level.
At slightly greater distance from Stromberg a number of radiometric anomalies have been identified in areas of geology analogous in both terms of rock-type and structure.
Stromberg area, near-district potential and proximity of Scaramanga Prospect (approximately 5.5km).
Stromberg and Daly Projects (Upside potential highlighted by geological trends and radiometric signatures.
Planned Work 2012
To build on the important results at Stromberg to date RC and diamond drilling will take place. RC drilling is designed for resource definition, and diamond drilling is designed for metallurgical and geotechnical purposes, both will compliment and add to the work currently underway.