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- iTech Minerals (ITM) submits 20 samples to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation for metallurgical test work
- The samples were obtained from its Ethiopia and Burtons prospects on South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula to determine the extent of ionic adsorption of rare earth elements (REE) present in the clays
- The company has permission from landowners for drilling at its four Eyre Peninsula prospects and plans to drill 370 holes across the prospects
- Shares are trading 3.13 per cent higher at 33 cents
iTech Minerals (ITM) has submitted 20 samples from two of its Eyre Peninsula prospects to the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation for metallurgical test work to determine the extent of ionic adsorption of rare earth elements (REE) present in the clays.
The samples were obtained from its Ethiopia and Burtons prospects.
Results are expected prior to drilling with the main objective to assess the leachability of rare earths, under typical desorption conditions applied to ionic clay deposits (IAC).
The company has received permission from landowners for drilling at all prospects. A drill rig has been secured with drilling to start next month, targeting kaolin and kaolin-IAC REE styles of mineralisation.
The company plans to drill 370 holes across four prospects on the central Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
At the Bartels prospect, the company has identified a new zone of REE mineralisation.
In 2012, Archer Materials drilled three reverse circulation (RC) holes in the prospect. One hole intersected significant rare earth elements in what is described as kaolinised coarse grained felsic.
It intersected 21 metres at 2298 parts per million (ppm) of total rare earth oxides (TREO) from 55 to 76 metres including nine metres at 3054 ppm of TREO from 55 to 56 metres and seven metres 2626 ppm TREO from 69 to 76 metres.
iTech intends to drill about 50 holes to test this target.
At the Ethiopia prospect, the company has identified extensive enrichment of REEs in kaolinitic clays. It plans to drill 65 additional holes in the area.
The program is designed to infill and extend high grade mineralisation at the end of historical drilling which intersected 32 metres at 1633 ppm TREO.
At the Burtons prospect, iTech has identified significant rare element mineralisation in the clay rich, weathering profile. The rare earths display significant enrichment of neodymium and praesidium, which are critical in the production of permanent magnets for electric vehicles and renewable energy. They also display significant enrichment in desirable heavy rare earth element oxides which command a premium price.
In historical data from Archer Materials in 2011, 15 of 19 drill holes had high levels of REE mineralisation consistent with ion adsorption clay (IAC) style mineralisation.
Representative samples have been taken from the prospect for metallurgical test work. The company said the results will give an indication of expected recoveries and whether ionic adsorption plays a significant role in the REE mineralisation style.
The company plans to drill about 64 holes at Burtons to test the full extent of the clay hosted REE mineralisation.
At the Caralue Bluff prospect, bright white kaolin has been confirmed in two drill holes over five kilometres apart. Numerous dams and council rubble pits in the region also reveal white kaolin exposed at surface. The company plans to drill about 194 holes in the area.
Managing Director Mike Schwarz said he is excited about the upcoming drilling program.
“iTech is excited to be embarking on such a substantial drilling program across numerous prospects,” he said.
“The metallurgical test work to determine the degree of ionic clay rare earth element mineralisation will focus the drilling on the best areas for both IAC and kaolin development.”
Shares were trading 3.13 per cent higher at 33 cents at 2.55pm AEDT.
