American Rare Earths demonstrates further rare earth potential at flagship La Paz Project in Arizona
souorce:Proactive
American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR) has demonstrated further rare earth potential at its flagship La Paz Rare Earths Project in Arizona, USA, after conducting a wide-area geologic mapping and surface geological sampling program.
The company has received encouraging assay results from the recent field geochemical samples - continuing to support further exploration activities at La Paz.
Moving forward, ARR’s geologists are performing further detailed geological mapping and geochemical sampling in conjunction with the current exploration drill program aimed at expanding resources in the southwest zone of La Paz.
“Expand exploration efforts”
ARR managing director Chris Gibbs said: 'The La Paz Project continues to exceed our expectations and is on track to become one of the largest rare earth projects in North America.
'We are currently drilling in the new Southwest Zone of the project where we have an exploration target of approximately 742-928 million tonnes to add to the 170.6 million tonnes JORC-compliant resource.
'We are further excited to report that assay results from fieldwork conducted in December 2021 indicate we should also expand our focus in the Northeast region.'
Geologic mapping
In December 2021, ARR conducted a geologic mapping and surface geochemical sampling program across the full extent of the ARR claims at La Paz.
The mapping allowed ARR geologists to better define the extent of REE-bearing rock outcrops across the LPRE area.
Specifically, it provided more insight into the deposition and correlation between observed rock units
Geochemical surface sampling
ARR's geochemical surface sampling program collected 208 rock samples and 143 soil samples across the La Paz project area.
Notably, the geochemical data has indicated elevated total rare earth oxide (TREO) values in mylonitized dioritic and altered granodioritic gneisses lithologies.
The company’s geologists compiled the results of the assays to augment ARR's broader geological knowledge of the area to highlight areas of higher REE grades and provide direction for additional exploration.
TREO assays of the 208 rock samples ranged between 33 parts per million (ppm) and 823ppm with an average of 280ppm.
While broad in scope, the results of the mapping and sampling provide ARR with key areas needing additional exploration and development.
Forward plan
ARR filed a geologic field operations plan (GFOP) with the Arizona State Lands Department (ASLD) that outlines a plan to drill at about 36 drilling sites on the state-owned section La Paz NE resource area.
This plan required an extensive environmental and cultural study across 242.8 hectares (600 acres) of the state section.
When the GFOP permit is approved, exploration drilling will allow ARR to update resource estimates in the La Paz NE region and collect fundamental data for conceptual mine design.
Gibbs adds: “As such, we have lodged applications for an additional 36 drill sites with the Arizona State Lands Department.
'The sheer size and scale of this project continues to grow.
“I'm looking forward to receiving the core assay results back from our current drill program and continuing to expand our exploration efforts in these new areas.
'I wish to pass on my thanks to the geology team on the ground who have been doing an amazing job as we develop this exciting project.
“I urge you to watch our recent videos on our website and follow us on social media, where we provide regular updates.'