13 January 2025
("NFM" or the "Company")
Harts Range Boasts Extended Mineralisation with Record-High Niobium, Dysprosium and Terbium Grades
In addition, visual Copper mineralisation was identified to the north of the Cusp Prospect, while elevated Yttrium levels (up to 1,022ppm Y₂O₃) were recorded at the Big Jay Prospect, which is indicative of HRE mineralisation.
Highlights:
· Significant mineralisation confirmed at
o 12.52% and 8.49% U₃O₈
o 31.48% and 19.73% Nb₂O₅
o 1.68% and 1.25% Dy₂O₃
o 0.26% and 0.16% Tb₄O₇
o 9.13% and 5.81 % Ta₂O₅
· Additional rock chip samples returning the highest Niobium, Dysprosium and Terbium results to date have been sampled from the Cusp Prospect
· Elevated Yttrium levels up to 1022ppm Y₂O₃ were recorded at the Big Jay Prospect highlighting potential for Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) mineralisation
· New copper discovery at Cusp North, circa 200m from the Cusp Prospect, with initial rock chip sampling returning up to 2.25% Cu
CUSP PROSPECT: STELLAR ASSAY RESULTS
Assay results from rock chips samples collected at the Cusp Prospect during the third reconnaissance trip were exceptional, reinforcing the significant exploration potential for Uranium, Niobium and HRE mineralisation (Figure1). Refer to appendices for the full suite of assays.
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Sample ID |
U₃O₈ |
Nb₂O₅ |
Dy₂O₃ |
Tb₄O₇ |
Ta₂O₅ |
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HRS011 |
12.52% |
31.48% |
1.68% |
0.26% |
5.81% |
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HRS012 |
8.49% |
19.73% |
1.25% |
0.16% |
9.13% |
Figure 1: Assay Results - Cusp Prospect Third Reconnaissance Trip
Figure 2: HRS011sample location site
More significantly, the Niobium, Dysprosium and Terbium assay results were the highest recorded from the three reconnaissance trips to date. The additional high grade rock chip samples further validate the mineralisation at the Cusp Prospect (Figure 3 and 4).
Figure 3: Uranium-Niobium-HRE enriched sample collected from HRS011
Figure 4: Uranium-Niobium-HRE enriched sample collected from HRS012
CUSP NORTH PROSPECT: COPPER POTENTIAL
Visual copper mineralisation associated with a felsic meta-sediment unit striking roughly north-south and daylighting at the bottom of the creek bed was identified several hundred meters to the north of the Cusp Prospect (Figure 6). The copper was associated with a foliated felsic unit, comprised of biotite, quartz, orthoclase with disseminated malachite and azurite within matrix of the unit. Further validation may require the use of surface magnetic, IP or EM surveys to prioritise targets at depth for drilling.
Assay results from rock chip samples from the third field trip retuned the following (Figure 5).
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Sample ID |
Cu |
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HRS008 |
2.15% |
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HRS009 |
2.15% |
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HRS010 |
1.65% |
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HRS013 |
2.25% |
Figure 5: Copper Assay Results - Cusp North Prospect Third Reconnaissance Trip
Figure 6: Enriched copper sample HRS008
NRG XPLORER SURVEY DETAILS
To further propel exploration efforts, NFM will commence the Heliborne Geophysical Surveying in
The results from this survey will be instrumental in advancing the project to the next stage of exploration and resource definition.
Next Steps:
· Completion of the
· Ongoing rock chip sampling and fieldwork at the Big Jay and Cusp North Prospects, and
· Planning and formulating the inaugural drilling campaign through reconciling the geophysical survey results and further assay data.
For further information, please contact:
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+61 8 6558 0886 |
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SI Capital Limited (Financial Adviser and Corporate Broker) |
+44 (0)1483 413500 |
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Nick Emerson |
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+44 (0)20 4582 3500 |
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Harry Chathli, |
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About New Frontier Minerals
Other interests include the
New Frontier Minerals is listed on the LSE and ASX under the ticker "NFM".
COMPETENT PERSONS STATEMENT
I,
· 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, industrial mineral, and copper mineralisation types, quality and potential mining method(s) of the deposit(s) described in the Report. In addition, I have 21 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 am a Member of
· 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
In addition:
· I have disclosed to
· 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
APPENDIX A: GEOLOGICAL DISCUSSION
The purpose of the recent fieldwork was to assess historical prospects and areas of interest that were not visited during the
The assay results have been recently returned and continue to highlight highly anomalous U, Nb, W, Pb and various heavy rare earth elements (particularly Dy, Tb, and Tm). These results also highlighted four (4) surface samples exceeding 1.5% copper at the Cusp North Prospect.
FIELDWORK CONDUCTED
The NFM Team inspected the main accessible prospects and areas of interest on western margins of the Entia Dome between
The project was accessed using a Toyota Landcruiser and on foot as required. The aim was to assess historic prospects and areas of interest that were not visited during
A total of thirteen (13) samples have been submitted to
Pegmatite dykes in the area are reasonably plentiful and intrude into various rock-types of various ages. There is potential for them to have been derived by partial melting of underlying geology or younger granites and have been seen with extreme enrichment in Uranium, Niobium and HREEs.
There are almost certainly more pegmatites with a similar U-REE signature in the district. They are not always visible in airborne imagery. Several previously unmapped pegmatites were encountered fortuitously along tracks whilst driving around. The utilisation of close-spaced radiometric imagery will also be a potentially useful method to identify new pegmatites.
Locations and descriptions of the samples collected are given in Figure AA-2, with selected laboratory results given for various elements in Figures AA-3 and AA-4.
FIGURE AA-1: HARTS RANGE MINERAL PROSPECTS
Source: NFM geology team
FIGURE AA-2: LIST OF SAMPLES COLLECTED 19TH -
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Prospect |
Sample ID |
Easting |
Northing |
Date Collected |
Description |
Radioactivity (µS) |
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Dune |
HRS006 |
510106 |
7450427 |
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Amphibolite schist. |
0.4 |
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Dune |
HRS007 |
510122 |
7450655 |
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Granite/pegmatite |
- |
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Cusp North |
HRS008 |
507726 |
7448141 |
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Felsic schist, copper enriched |
- |
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Cusp North |
HRS009 |
507730 |
7448076 |
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Felsic schist, copper enriched |
- |
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Cusp North |
HRS010 |
507737 |
7448047 |
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Felsic schist |
- |
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Cusp |
HRS011 |
507848 |
7447749 |
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Biotite pegmatite |
- |
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Cusp |
HRS012 |
507848 |
7447755 |
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Muscovite pegmatite |
- |
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Bobs North |
HRS013 |
505947 |
7448424 |
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Biotite pegmatite, copper enriched |
- |
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Bobs West |
HRS014 |
506097 |
7447593 |
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Muscovite pegmatite, 2% K from PXRF |
1.5 |
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Bobs West |
HRS015 |
506104 |
7447590 |
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Muscovite pegmatite, 6% K from PXRF |
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Big Jay |
HRS016 |
506736 |
7445987 |
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Pegmatite |
0.50 |
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Big Jay |
HRS017 |
506775 |
7445989 |
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Pegmatite |
0.70 |
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Big Jay |
HRS018 |
506686 |
7445972 |
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Pegmatite |
0.50 |
Source: NFM geology team
FIGURE AA-3: SIGNIFICANT ROCK CHIP ASSAYS FROM OCT-
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Sample ID |
Nb2O5 |
U3O8 |
Dy2O3 |
Tb4O7 |
Ta2O5 |
Gd2O3 |
Sm2O3 |
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Units |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
ppm |
ppm |
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HRS001 |
9.11% |
13.48% |
1.55% |
0.20% |
20.95% |
6,503.3 |
2,095 |
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HRS002 |
10.07% |
14.04% |
1.63% |
0.22% |
23.02% |
7,072.7 |
2,265.6 |
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HRS003A |
29.80% |
10.10% |
1.29% |
0.21% |
6.26% |
8,424.3 |
3,976.2 |
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HRS004 |
25.46% |
8.54% |
1.13% |
0.18% |
4.77% |
7,283 |
3,279.9 |
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HRS011 |
31.48% |
12.52% |
1.68% |
0.26% |
5.81% |
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HRS012 |
19.73% |
8.49% |
1.25% |
0.16% |
9.13% |
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Source: Intertek (
FIGURE AA-4: SIGNIFICANT CU, PB, AND W-ENRICHED ROCK CHIP ASSAYS FROM THE OCT-
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Sample ID |
Ag |
Cu |
Pb |
W |
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g/t |
% |
ppm |
ppm |
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HRS001 |
<2 |
nr |
7,963 |
1,194 |
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HRS002 |
<2 |
nr |
6,279 |
1,305 |
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HRS003A |
14 |
nr |
4,460 |
8,136 |
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HRS003B |
<2 |
nr |
47 |
82 |
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HRS004 |
12 |
nr |
4,073 |
7,565 |
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HRS008 |
5 |
2.15% |
41 |
2 |
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HRS009 |
7 |
2.15% |
22 |
3 |
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HRS010 |
6 |
1.65% |
29 |
3 |
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HRS011 |
12 |
0.04% |
5,404 |
8,311 |
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HRS012 |
8 |
0.03% |
16,204 |
4,982 |
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HRS013 |
<2 |
2.26% |
78 |
9 |
Source: Intertek (
Regarding the results, the Cusp samples are in line with previously reported Nb-U-HREE values. As noted, there are some high-grade (>1.5%) copper, results (north of Cusp) over a significant strike length. Further fieldwork is required to fully understand this occurrence.
The location of all samples is given in Figure AA-5 across the Harts Range project.
FIGURE AA-5: NFM ROCK CHIP SAMPLE LOCATIONS AT ALL PROSPECTS
Notes: Coordinate system in MGA94-Z53S
Source: NFM geology team
CUSP NORTH PROSPECT: COPPER POTENTIAL
The Cusp North copper zone is a foliated felsic unit, with the foliations comprised of biotite, quartz, and orthoclase. Malachite and azurite are disseminated within matrix of the unit. Broken pieces up to 30cm below surface indicate the mineralisation was not surface staining.
Assay results from rock chip samples from the third field trip returned anomalous silver and copper (refer to Figure AA-2 and see Figure AA-6 as an example).
FIGURE AA-6: COPPER-ENRICHED HAND SAMPLES AT SITE HRS010
Source: Das 2024
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYING
New Resolution Geophysics (NRG) has been engaged to model and interpret airborne magnetic and radiometric geophysical data at the
A high-resolution, helicopter-borne radiometric and magnetic survey will accelerate exploration over untested areas within the Harts Range project, aiming to identify potential extensions to known uranium, niobium, and rare earth mineralisation. The survey will employ
NFM will fly the first airborne survey since the mid-1990s over the region and the first high-resolution (50m spaced) survey over the Harts Range project area and will use results from the survey to define high-priority drill targets or to plan advanced ground geophysics surveys. The survey has been scheduled to be commenced in
HARTS RANGE NEXT STEPS
To recap, the geology team intends to fully understand the potential of the Harts Range Niobium, Uranium, Copper, and
• Full historic and spatial database compilation
• Reconnaissance mapping programs
• Close spaced geophysical survey
• Detailed mapping and rock chip sampling across prospects
• Regional soil sampling campaigns as required
• Mineral characterisation studies and petrological analysis
• Trenching and bulk sample test work
• Target generation and prioritization; and
• Drill-testing
References
Barfuss, R. 2007, "A Brief report on Samarskite Mineralisation in the
Barfuss, R. 2014, The Harts Range Project Exploration Licence (EL 24552) - (
Das, K., 2024, Note on
Caughey, A.R., 2007 Annual Report for Exploration Licence EL24552 for the period ending
Caughey, R. 2002 to 2006: various unpublished reports for Barfuss Corporation Pty. Ltd.
PNC Exploration (
New Frontier Minerals, 2024a, Transformative Northern Territory Uranium Acquisition
New Frontier Minerals, 2024b, Geophysical Data to define drill targets at Harts Range,
Rutter, H. 2006. 'An analysis of airborne radiometric data from the Harts Range, N.T.' (
Shaw, R.D., Senior, B.R., Offe, L.A., Stirzaker, J.F., Walton, D.G., Apps, H.E., Freeman, M.J., 1985, 1:250,000
Open file company reports sourced from the Northern Territory Mineral Industry Reports Management System Available at: https://geoscience.nt.gov.au/gemis/ntgsjspui/handle/1/3
Spatial Territory Resource Information Kit for Exploration (STRIKE); NT Government Available at: http://strike.nt.gov.au/wss.html
Scrimgeour IR, 2013. Chapter 29:
Selway K, Heinson G and Hand M, 2006: Electrical evidence of continental accretion: Steeply dipping crustal-scale conductivity contrast. Geophysical Research Letters 33, L06305, doi:10.1029/2005GL025328.
IGO Exploration Activities in
https://www.igo.com.au/site/investorcenter/annual-reports
APPENDIX B: JORC CODE, 2012 EDITION - TABLE 1
The following JORC Code (2012 Edition) Table 1 is primarily supplied to provide background for a geological mapping, and rock chip sampling program, conducted by New Frontier Minerals geologists, from several prospects within the
Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data
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Criteria |
JORC Code explanation |
Commentary |
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Sampling techniques |
• Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. • Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. • Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. • In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would 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. |
• Surface samples were collected from approximately a 3m radius around the recorded co-ordinate location. The rock chip fragments that were collected to make up the sample included fragments that approximately ranged from 2-5cm and 0.2 - 3kg in weight. A total of thirteen (13) rock chip samples were collected in calico bags and were progressed for laboratory analysis (sample numbers range from HRS006 to 18). Samples were collected from rock outcrops, soils, and occasionally mullock heaps in the vicinity of west to east trending pegmatite dykes. Many of the surface samples contained the U-bearing mineral samarskite. Samples (e.g. Figure A1-1) were collected from rock outcrops in the vicinity of west to east trending pegmatite dykes. Many of the surface samples contained the U-bearing mineral samarskite. The radioactivity of the samples was determined by a RadEye instrument in the field. Figure AA-1 HRS008 Amphibolite Schist at the Cusp North Prospect
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Drilling techniques |
• Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc) and details (e.g. core diameter, 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). |
· Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as none were drilled. |
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Drill sample recovery |
• Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. • 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. |
· Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results as no holes were drilled. |
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Logging |
• Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. • Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc) photography. • The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. |
· Descriptions of the rock chip and soil samples are given in a table contained in Appendix A of this CCZ's ASX Announcement dated the 13TH of · Where appropriate strike and dip measurements were taken at several sites, additional to the thirteen (13) rock chip sample sites. Measuring bedding is difficult because of the high metamorphically - disturbed rock types. |
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Subsampling techniques and sample preparation |
• If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc and whether sampled wet or dry. • For all sample types, the nature, quality, and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. • Quality control procedures adopted for all sub-sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. • Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of 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. |
· Of the sample collected about 0.3-2kg of rock chip were presented for analyses. · Assays were done by independent laboratory · The received samples were sorted and dried. Primary preparation was then by crushing the whole sample. The whole sample was pulverised in a vibrating disc pulveriser. · All samples were initially crushed to 4 mm then pulverised to 75 microns, with at least 85% passing through 75 microns. Standard sample preparation (including crushing) and analyses procedures were performed on all samples and are considered appropriate techniques for the type and size of surface rock chip samples collected. |
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Quality of assay data and laboratory tests |
• The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. • For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc, the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. • Nature of quality control procedures adopted (eg standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (ie lack of bias) and precision have been established. |
Analytical Methods are described in detail as follows: Au, Pt, Pd · The samples have been analysed by firing a 40g (approx.) portion of the sample. This is the classical fire assay process and will give total separation of Gold, Platinum, and Palladium in the sample. These have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry. The sample(s) have been digested with a mixture of acids including Hydrofluoric, Nitric, Hydrochloric and Perchloric Acids. This digest approaches a total digest for many elements however some refractory oxides are not completely attacked. · The mineral Cassiterite is not efficiently attacked with this digest. · If Barium occurs as the Sulphate mineral, then at high levels (more than 4000 ppm) it may re-precipitate after the digest giving seriously low results. Using this digest, some sulphur losses may occur if the samples contain high levels of sulphide. Cu, Zn, Co, Ni, Mn, P, Sc, V, Al, Ca, Na, K, S have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Optical Emission Spectrometry. 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 · have been determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) Mass Spectrometry. The samples have been fused with Sodium Peroxide and subsequently the melt has 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 and drilling results obtained since 2006 at Harts Range, and the batch of five rock chip samples collected in |
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Verification of sampling and assaying |
• The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. • The use of twinned holes. • Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. • Discuss any adjustment to assay data. |
· · It has met the recommended insertion rates for the company QAQC controls (standards, blanks) with an overall insertion rate of 20%. However, no field duplicates were included in the two (2) batches and is recommended that 3% be included in future sampling programs. · Both the laboratory standards and blanks were verified for elements Nb, U and Dy and returned results within 2 standard deviations (SD). Field duplicates are not present in the batch therefore were not reviewed. |
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Location of data points |
• Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drill holes (collar and down-hole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. • Specification of the grid system used. • Quality and adequacy of topographic control. |
· The spatial location for the rock chips and soils collected during the |
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Data spacing and distribution |
• Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. • Whether the data spacing, and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. • 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 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 Dune (previously 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. |
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Orientation of data in relation to geological structure |
• Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. • If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. |
· In general, the strata of the area surrounding the pegmatite dykes in the · Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed mineralisation along and across strike of the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and across the six (6) anomalous areas originally identified in the planning stage. · However, no modern systematic exploration has been conducted, nor any of the U, Nb, Cu, and HREE mineralised prospects have ever been drilled in the prospects described in this ASX release. |
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Sample security |
• • The measures taken to ensure sample security. |
· The rock chip samples taken during the current fieldwork were securely locked within the vehicle on site until delivered to |
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Audits or reviews |
• • The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. |
· The sampling techniques and the data generated from the laboratory assay results have been peer reviewed by consultant geologists independent of · No other external audits sampling techniques and data have yet been planned or undertaken. |
SECTION 2 REPORTING OF EXPLORATION RESULTS
(Criteria listed in the preceding section also apply to this section.)
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Criteria |
JORC Code explanation |
Commentary |
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Mineral tenement and land tenure status |
Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. • 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 the area. |
·
· A check on the tenures status was completed in the NTGS system 'Strike' on the 10th of · · Domestic and some international flights are available from · As a major regional centre, the town of · 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. |
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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 |
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Geology |
• Deposit type, geological setting, and style of mineralisation. |
Regional Geology • The Harts Range Niobium, • • Magnetotellurics data interpreted by a team consisting of • The map below (
Local Geology The main rock types mapped and sampled at various REE Prospects include: o 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). o 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. o Garnet-?Cummingtonite rock: coarse-grained rock; with abundant interstitial pale greenish malachite-?magnesite material; small patch of subcrop amongst scree. o 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. o ULTRAMAFIC: slightly weathered medium grained, greenish/brownish ?amphibole/olivine-dominated ?meta-ultramafic. o Amphibolite: grey fine-grained hornblende -quartz rock; (approx. adjacent rough channel samples: HR461 (1m) above HR462 (3m) above HR463 (3m) above HR464 (1m)). o 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. |
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Drillhole Information |
• A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drill holes: o easting and northing of the drill hole collar o elevation or RL (Reduced Level - elevation above sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar o 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. |
• Not Applicable - no exploration drilling results presented. |
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Data aggregation methods |
• In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. • Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of 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 aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. |
• Independent Laboratory Assay results for the 13 rock chip samples from various Harts Range Prospects were averaged if more than one reading or determination was given. There was no cutting of high-grade REE results as they are directly relatable to high grade mineralisation styles readily visible in the relevant samples. • There were no cut-off grades factored into any reporting of the laboratory assay results. |
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Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths |
· These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. · If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. 'down hole length, true width not known'). |
• The current rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, and surrounding spoil heaps. Thirteen (13) rock chip samples were collected from rock faces and/or outcrops. • As no drilling nor costeans have been completed the relationship of the samples to the underlying geology is not yet fully understood. |
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Diagrams |
• Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. |
• Appropriate diagrams are presented in the body and the Appendices of the current ASX Release. Where scales are absent from the diagram, grids have been included and clearly labelled to act as a scale for distance. • Maps and Plans presented in the current ASX Release are in |
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Balanced reporting |
• Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced avoiding misleading reporting of Exploration Results. |
· Rock chip samples were taken at areas of interest from observed mineralisation along the line of lode of the mineralised pegmatite dyke, secondary structures, surrounding spoil heaps, and to the north and south of the line of lode to check the validity of the defined four (4) anomalous map areas. |
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Other substantive exploration data |
• Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. |
· The area is covered by regional airborne government and private radiometric, gravity, magnetic, and hyperspectral surveys. Unfortunately, other than the 2006 radiometric ground survey, no other ground surveys have been undertaken. · 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. |
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Further work |
• The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. |
A future exploration strategy should encompass the following steps in subsequent field programs: · 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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