How Did Power Minerals Enhance TREO Grades Through Screening? Power Minerals Limited

How Did Power Minerals Enhance TREO Grades Through Screening?

High-Grade Rare Earth Discoveries at Eyre Peninsula: A New Horizon for Power Minerals

Summary: Power Minerals Limited (ASX: PNN) announces significant rare earth oxide (REO) discoveries at its Eyre Peninsula Project in South Australia, with drilling results revealing up to 14,152ppm TREO. Initial drilling on 400m spacing has exposed high-grade clay-hosted rare earths at the Dickson Well target, presenting a substantial exploration upside. These results, supported by detailed geophysical modeling and further testing, set the stage for Power Minerals to advance this promising rare earth element (REE) opportunity.

Discovering Rare Earths at Dickson Well

The Eyre Peninsula Project, under the stewardship of Power Minerals, has become a focal point for rare earth exploration in Australia. Recent drilling outcomes have showcased exceptional TREO concentrations, particularly in drillhole PKD23-139, which reported intervals up to 1. 4% TREO. These discoveries are notable for their high magnet rare earth oxide (MREO) content, a critical component for high-tech industries, including renewable energy technologies and electronics.

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Enhancing Grades Through Screening

Power Minerals' innovative approach to ore screening has led to a significant enhancement in TREO grades. By refining the ore to -53 μm, the company has doubled the concentration of TREO in key samples, highlighting the potential for optimizing the resource through simple beneficiation techniques. This process not only improves the grade but also reduces the downstream processing burden by eliminating larger, non-valuable particles.

Exploration Strategy and Next Steps

The initial exploration strategy, characterized by broad 400m drill spacings, was initially designed for halloysite. However, the discovery of high-grade REE necessitates a more detailed exploration grid to accurately define the deposit's geometry. Power Minerals plans to leverage geophysical modeling to refine drill targets, aiming to delineate the REE distribution more precisely and evaluate the deposit's economic viability.

Clay-Hosted REE Deposits: A Unique Opportunity

Clay-hosted REE deposits offer a distinct advantage over traditional hard-rock sources, primarily due to their surface-near and homogeneous nature. Such deposits are typically devoid of deleterious radioactive elements, making them an environmentally and operationally preferable option. Power Minerals' discoveries at Dickson Well exemplify the potential for low-cost, sustainable REE mining operations, potentially transforming the global rare earth supply landscape.

Laboratory Analyses and Environmental Considerations

Comprehensive laboratory analyses, including clay assessments and ionic leach tests, are underway to further understand the mineralization's nature and the distribution of adsorbed REE phases. These studies are crucial for developing efficient extraction and processing techniques. Moreover, the low levels of uranium and thorium detected underscore the project's environmental compatibility, aligning with global standards for rare earth production.

Looking Forward

As Power Minerals prepares for the next drilling phase, the focus will be on tightening drill spacings and employing geophysical insights to pinpoint high-potential areas. The company's strategic approach, combining detailed geological understanding with targeted exploration activities, positions the Eyre Peninsula Project as a significant player in the quest for new REE resources. With global demand for rare earths escalating, Power Minerals' advancements in South Australia signify a promising avenue for diversifying supply and supporting critical industries.

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