
Summit Minerals Limited (ASX: SUM) has announced the commencement of an expanded Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) survey at its wholly-owned Equador Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) Project in the Borborema Pegmatitic Province (BPP) of northeast Brazil.
This strategic initiative aims to enhance the mapping of prospective pegmatites in preparation for the company’s upcoming targeted drilling campaign.
The LiDAR survey will provide detailed mapping of the Equador Niobium Project area, identifying pegmatite occurrences in both low-lying areas and those potentially covered by alluvium.
This survey will be conducted concurrently with ongoing ground-based exploration activities, including a rock chip sample program that has been yielding encouraging assay results.
Summit Minerals is focusing on an expedited initial drilling program to validate the project’s quality, with permits for trenching and drilling expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
The company has secured full funding for the upcoming drilling campaign following a recent capital raise.
Previously, Summit completed a drone magnetic survey over the northern section of the property, with interpretation currently underway.
The new LiDAR survey, in combination with the expanded magnetic survey, will enhance the ongoing intensive mapping program aimed at identifying additional pegmatite occurrences.
Gower He, Managing Director of Summit Minerals, commented on the development: “With our recent placement completed and with our experienced team on the ground, we are now well positioned to focus on executing the fast-tracked development of the Equador Niobium and REE Project.
“The LiDAR surveying will not only save us time and money but will greatly assist in the mapping of prospective pegmatites that will help to guide our upcoming drilling program. We look forward to updating the market on the progress at our Niobium and REE Project over the coming weeks.”
The exploration and sampling program will continue to explore, sample, and map new occurrences of pegmatites across the entire project, aiming to extend the program to the southern borders of the tenement.
Assays from numerous sampling sites are pending and will be reported as they become available over the coming weeks and months.