source：Proactive Investors Australia
The drilling program will test new targets after recent drilling success at the Dazzler prospect returned the best-ever intercept at Browns Range.
Northern Minerals Ltd (ASX:NTU) has started exploration drilling at its Browns Range project in Western Australia’s East Kimberley region.
The reverse circulation drilling program will comprise 3,000 metres of infill and exploration drilling at the Dazzler and Iceman prospects, with a further 1,500 metres planned at a range of prospects including Banshee South, Cyclops, Longshot and Rogue.
Opportunity to increase value of project
Northern Minerals managing director & CEO George Bauk said the company was pleased to have the team back on the ground testing new targets after the recent success at Dazzler and the resulting best-ever intercept at Browns Range.
He added: “We have set the exploration team the challenge of making discoveries that will increase the life of the full-scale Browns Range development out to 20 years.
“The new exploration model and high-quality targets that have yet to be fully assessed present us with excellent opportunities to increase the value of the project.”
Pilot plant production underway
The Australian rare earths producer has finished practical completion of the Browns Range heavy rare earth pilot plant project and has started pilot plant production of heavy rare earth carbonate.
The pilot plant project will continue to assist the company in evaluating the economic and technical feasibility of mining at Browns Range.
It will also provide the opportunity to gain production experience and surety of supply for our offtake partner.
Dysprosium essential ingredient in advanced magnets
Northern Minerals aims to build the Western Australian operation into the first significant world producer of dysprosium outside of China through developing its flagship Browns Range project.
The project has several deposits and prospects containing high-value dysprosium and other heavy rare earths, hosted in xenotime mineralisation.
Dysprosium is an essential ingredient in the production of DyNdFeB (dysprosium-neodymium-iron-boron) magnets which are used in clean energy and high-tech solutions.