ASX-listed Pensana Metals has reported the final results from the recent infill and exploration reverse circulation (RC) drilling programme at the Longonjo NdPr project located in an infrastructure-rich region of Angola. Neodymium and praseodymium are commonly referred to as NdPr and are elements most commonly used in the creation of high-strength permanent magnets.
The results have confirmed the continuity of high-grade weathered mineralisation from surface. The infill RC drilling was completed to support a revised Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for the high-grade weathered zone mineralisation at Longonjo.
An updated MRE has commenced in support of the Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) which is scheduled for completion in September 2019.
An RC drill rig working at Longonjo (photo: Pensana).
Exploration drilling on the southern margin of the carbonatite has identified a thick zone of weathered mineralisation which remains open along strike for 550 m to the east and requires further drilling to evaluate its full potential.
“These high-grade NdPr intersections confirm the continuous nature of the near surface blanket of weathered zone NdPr mineralisation in the area targeted for initial open-pit mining in the Preliminary Feasibility Study,” comments Pensana Executive Director Dave Hammond.
“The results from the exploration holes are significant as they add further proof of the existence of arcuate mineralised ring dyke structures around the margins of the circular carbonatite.
“Several kilometres of this prospective contact zone have yet to be drill tested and offer further upside potential to the weathered zone mineralisation at Longonjo.”
Pensana has appointed international engineering company Wood Group to execute the PFS for the expedited development of the Longonjo NdPr project. Wood Group previously undertook the Scoping Study for Longonjo and has an experienced rare earth mining and development team. The study will focus on the delivery of a low capital cost open-pit mining and processing operation which will export flotation concentrates to customers in China via the recently upgraded Benguela rail line and the Atlantic Port of Lobito.
The project lies just 4,3 km from the sealed national highway and rail line that run from the port at Benguela, 200 km to the west, to the provincial capital of Huambo, 60 km to the east. A power transmission line from the Gove Dam hydroelectric power plant currently extends to Caala, 38 km to the east of the project.