Northern Minerals Limited (NTU), a key player in heavy rare earth (HRE) exploration and development, has announced the reception of high-grade assay results from ongoing mineral resource definition drilling at the Wolverine deposit within the Browns Range Project in Western Australia.
The latest assay results validate the presence of wide and high-grade mineralised intervals across the Wolverine deposit, which remains open at depth.
Notable new intercepts include 15.6 metres at 9.99 per cent Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) from a depth of 428.20 metres, alongside other substantial intercepts that highlight consistent mineralisation throughout the targeted areas.
The primary objective of the drilling program at Wolverine is to enhance geological confidence and improve the classification of the Inferred Mineral Resource in future estimates.
A pivotal aspect of this program has been the development of a new deformation intensity spatial model, which provides a structured framework to enhance the understanding of the deposit’s geology for the first time.
In a statement, Executive Chairman Nicholas Curtis expressed optimism about the recent findings.
Curtis said: “The new assay results are very encouraging and emphasise the unique nature of the Browns Range system. These results materially increase confidence in the development of the Wolverine deposit as the first mine within the larger Browns Range system.
“The exceptional results of the newest Wolverine resource definition drilling program and the increased geological understanding from the drill results and the structural association model support our regional geological understanding and suggest high-grade opportunities beyond the Wolverine deposit out across the broader Browns Range system.
“This is encouraging for future exploration success.”
Curtis also acknowledged the support from the federal government grant monies, which facilitated the progress of the drilling program, as well as the assistance from Native Title Partners – The Jaru People, ensuring that required heritage surveys were completed prior to the campaign commencing.
Northern Minerals Limited owns 100 per cent of the Browns Range Project, which boasts tenements uniquely rich in the heavy rare earth elements dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb).
The completion of the drilling program is anticipated in mid-May, with a re-evaluation of the mine plan expected in the fourth quarter of this calendar year, aligning well with the company’s planned FID timing.
