Ark Mines Ltd (ASX:AHK) has begun aircore drilling at its Sandy Mitchell rare earths and heavy minerals project in North Queensland.
The Phase 1 drill program will comprise infill and extension drilling of historic auger drill-holes spanning a two-square-kilometre area, along with 30 reconnaissance holes testing the broader anomaly.
However, it may be varied depending on geological feedback.
Confirmation of the drill start date is in alignment with the group’s previously announced timeline, after it signed an agreement with Queensland-based specialist contractor Saxon Drilling in April.
The infill and extension drilling of historic augur drill holes has been designed to maximise mineralisation depths, and data obtained from the program will form the basis of a maiden JORC-2012 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE).
The commencement of drilling follows an extensive planning and review process, which highlighted the scale of anomalous REE and Heavy Metals at the Sandy Mitchell project.
Ark Executive Chairman Roger Jackson said confirmation that the drill program was underway marked another exciting step forward for Ark and its investor base.
Jackson said: “Since acquiring the Sandy Mitchell rare earths project, management have executed well on a targeted exploration strategy which included extensive drill planning, the commissioning of highly-rated contractors and ongoing test work of REE sands on-site.
“We look forward to reporting first assays from this Phase 1 drill program, which will also form the basis for further metallurgical test work ahead of an updated MRE which is scheduled for Q4 CY2020.”
