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Connected Minerals (ASX: CML) has identified extensive high-grade niobium and rare earth mineralisation in historical exploration data from its Bailundo carbonatite project in Angola, strengthening the company’s exploration outlook.
The newly acquired database covers the approximately 39km² Bailundo carbonatite complex in Huambo Province and includes diamond drilling, geological mapping, surface sampling, assay records and technical studies.
Historical drilling comprised 10 diamond holes totalling 3414m, although only six holes were assayed.
Among the standout niobium intersections was 205.5m at 1.0 per cent niobium pentoxide (Nb₂O₅) from surface, including 44.1m at 2.2 per cent and 24m at 3.0 per cent.
Rare earth results were similarly encouraging, including 227.3m at 2.0 per cent total rare earth oxides (TREO) from surface, incorporating 17.4m at 5.4 per cent TREO.
Another hole returned 118.4m at 2.2 per cent TREO from surface, including 12.9m at 6.7 per cent TREO.
Connected chief executive officer Stephen Wetherall said the results reinforced the project’s exploration potential.
“The historical results reinforce our view that Bailundo has the potential to be a significant niobium and rare earth opportunity, with broad, high-grade niobium and rare earth intersections from surface highlighting the significant exploration potential of this large system,” Wetherall said.
Importantly, approximately 1534m of historical drilling remains unassayed, including four entire holes, presenting opportunities to investigate additional niobium, rare earth and gallium mineralisation.
The database also includes 1089 soil samples and 458 rock-chip samples, providing further information for exploration targeting.
Mineralisation has been identified in both weathered carbonatite and underlying less-weathered to fresh rock.
For investors, the historical results provide a stronger technical foundation for assessing Bailundo’s potential, although further drilling, geological interpretation and metallurgical work will be required to establish the extent and continuity of mineralisation.
Connected is integrating the acquired information into its ongoing exploration program, with a focus on refining drill targets and evaluating the project’s development potential.
Read more: Connected Minerals closes in on Angola critical minerals acquisition
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