Kameelburg Drilling Confirms Extensive 500m-Deep Rare Earth-Niobium-Molybdenum Mineralization
Aldoro Resources has reported significant assay results from its Kameelburg project in Namibia, confirming a large polymetallic deposit rich in rare earth elements, niobium, and molybdenum. The discovery, characterized by extensive mineralization and strategic metal zonation, is shaping up as a potential Tier 1 resource with strong commercial appeal.
- Six diamond drill holes confirm continuous mineralization open at depth
- Distinct zonation: upper layer enriched in rare earths, niobium, molybdenum; lower layer niobium-rich
- Mineralization extends at least 325m wide and 500m deep, with further drilling underway
- Proximity to key infrastructure including rail, highway, port, and power enhances project viability
- Maiden mineral resource estimate expected by end of current quarter
Discovery Highlights
Aldoro Resources Limited (ASX: ARN) has announced compelling assay results from its ongoing diamond drilling program at the Kameelburg Rare Earth and Niobium project in Namibia. The assays from six completed holes, DD004, DD004A, DD004B, DD004C, DD002, and DD005, confirm a significant polymetallic discovery featuring rare earth elements (REE), niobium (Nb), and molybdenum (Mo). Notably, all holes ended in mineralization that remains open at depth, underscoring the potential scale of the deposit.
The mineralization exhibits a clear zonation pattern: an upper layer dominated by rare earths, niobium, and molybdenum, and a lower layer enriched primarily in niobium with decreasing REE content. This stratification suggests complex geological processes and offers multiple avenues for resource development.
Assay Results and Geological Context
Key assay highlights include DD004, which returned 285 meters at 1.68% total rare earth oxides (TREO), 0.19% Nb2O5, and 441 ppm Mo in the upper layer, and 126 meters at 0.96% TREO and 0.35% Nb2O5 in the lower layer. Similar robust grades were reported in the other holes, with rare earth elements such as neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), lanthanum (La), and cerium (Ce) forming the bulk of the REE assemblage. Nd and Pr, the most valuable light rare earth elements, account for approximately 19-20% of the total REE content, aligning with global carbonatite REE deposit profiles.
Molybdenum, present as molybdenite, was also detected in significant quantities, adding a valuable by-product to the deposit. Given molybdenum's critical role in stainless steel alloys and chemical applications, its presence enhances the strategic importance of the Kameelburg project.
Scale and Infrastructure Advantage
The mineralization extends at least 325 meters in width and 500 meters in depth, with the deposit remaining open along strike and at depth. Additional drilling is underway, including deeper holes facilitated by an external contractor with high-capacity rigs, to further delineate the resource and confirm its vertical extent. The company anticipates completing its Phase I drilling program by mid-May and releasing a maiden mineral resource estimate by the end of the current quarter.
Strategically, Kameelburg benefits from excellent proximity to commercial infrastructure: a heavy haul freight railway connecting to the Walvis Bay Industrial Port lies within 1 km, a bitumen highway (C33) passes within 1 km, and a 220 kV hydropower transmission line is just 7 km away. Namibia's reputation as a mining-friendly jurisdiction further supports the project's commercial viability.
Market and Strategic Implications
The discovery aligns with the growing global demand for critical minerals essential to green energy technologies and electric vehicles. Rare earths and niobium are pivotal in permanent magnets, batteries, and high-strength alloys, while molybdenum's unique properties make it indispensable in industrial applications. Supply chain disruptions worldwide have heightened the strategic value of such deposits.
Aldoro's Kameelburg project, with its polymetallic nature, substantial scale, and infrastructure advantages, is positioned to become a significant contributor to global REE and niobium supply. The ongoing drilling and forthcoming resource estimate will be key milestones to watch as the company advances toward development.
Bottom Line?
As Aldoro Resources advances drilling and prepares its maiden resource estimate, Kameelburg could soon emerge as a cornerstone asset in the critical minerals sector.
Questions in the middle?
- What will the maiden mineral resource estimate reveal about the total tonnage and grade?
- How will the increasing niobium grades at depth influence the project's economic potential?
- What are the timelines and plans for metallurgical testing and feasibility studies following the resource estimate?