Encounter Resources Discovers Thick, High-Grade Niobium-REE at Aileron - West Arunta
Encounter Resources Ltd (ASX: ENR), a leading exploration company, is thrilled to announce the discovery of thick, high-grade niobium and rare earth element (REE) mineralization at the Aileron critical minerals project in the West Arunta region of Western Australia. The first two drill holes at Crean, which are spaced 1. 5km apart on the Elephant Island Fault, have intersected carbonatites with significant niobium and REE mineralization.
Significant Intersections at Crean
In the recent drilling campaign, Encounter Resources encountered substantial carbonatite mineralization in two drill holes at Crean. Hole EAL008 intersected 94. 7m of carbonatite from 55m to 149. 7m.
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Assay results from the 90m deep RC pre-collar returned a notable section of 34m, grading 1. 0% Nb2O5 and 0. 6% TREO, including a 4m interval with 3. 8% Nb2O5 and 1. 9% TREO. In addition, hole EAL007 intersected 282m of carbonatite from 64m to the end of the hole at 346m, with an assay return of 2m at 1. 2% Nb2O5 and 0. 6% TREO from the 69m deep RC pre-collar.
Assays and Further Exploration
The company expects to receive assay results for the diamond tails of EAL007 and EAL008 in August-September 2023. These results will provide crucial information on the potential grade and extent of the niobium-REE mineralization. Additionally, Encounter Resources plans to commence an initial 80-100 hole RC drilling program in August 2023 to further extend the mineralization at Crean and explore new, high-quality targets.
Encouraging Potential of Aileron Project
The Aileron project, wholly owned by Encounter Resources, covers an area of 1,765km2 in the West Arunta region of Western Australia. The project has shown significant promise with large-scale gravity, magnetic, and radiometric surveys defining three initial drill targets at Caird, Crean, and Hoschke. A recent diamond drilling program, accompanied by a Falcon airborne gravity survey, has revealed additional targets for exploration at Aileron.
Managing Director's Outlook
Mr. Will Robinson, Managing Director of Encounter Resources, expressed his excitement about the intersection of high-grade niobium and rare earths at Crean. He emphasised the emerging critical minerals potential in the West Arunta region and the success rate of drilling programs conducted so far. Mr. Robinson highlighted the upcoming RC drilling program and its aim to expand the niobium-REE mineralization at Crean and test new targets. He suggested that the initial results from the West Arunta region bode well for the future exploration activities at Aileron.
Encounter Resources has made a significant discovery of thick, high-grade niobium and REE mineralization at the Aileron project in the West Arunta region. The company's commitment to further exploration and the upcoming RC drilling program demonstrates its dedication to unlocking the full potential of the Aileron project as a critical minerals resource.
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