Askari Metals has revealed a promising reinterpretation of historical data at its Uis Project in Namibia, highlighting significant tin, tantalum, and rubidium mineralisation adjacent to an operating mine. The findings set the stage for an expanded exploration campaign.
- Historical data review highlights high-grade tin, tantalum, and rubidium mineralisation
- Project located contiguous to operating Uis Tin Mine with a notable JORC resource
- Rock chip samples show tin grades up to 4.05% SnO2 and tantalum up to 1,121 ppm Ta2O5
- Two phases of reverse circulation drilling confirm polymetallic mineralisation
- Planned follow-up includes trenching, mapping, and further drilling to expand targets
Context and Location
Askari Metals Limited (ASX:AS2) has advanced its technical review of the Uis Project in Namibia, a site strategically located adjacent to the operating Uis Tin Mine owned by Andrada Mining (LSE: ATM). This proximity places Askari’s tenement EPL 7345 in a highly prospective geological setting within the Erongo Region, known for its rich pegmatite-hosted mineralisation.
The Uis Tin Mine itself boasts a JORC-compliant resource of 77.51 million tonnes grading 0.79% lithium oxide (Li2O), 0.15% tin (Sn), and 82 ppm tantalum (Ta), underscoring the potential scale and value of mineralisation in the area.
Reinterpreting Historical Data
Rather than new assay results, Askari’s announcement focuses on a comprehensive reinterpretation of historical exploration data, including 1,163 rock chip samples and two phases of reverse circulation (RC) drilling. This review has revealed exceptionally high-grade polymetallic mineralisation, notably tin, tantalum, and rubidium, across multiple pegmatite targets named OP, PS, DP, and K9.
Highlights from rock chip sampling include tin grades reaching as high as 4.05% SnO2, tantalum concentrations up to 1,121 ppm Ta2O5, and rubidium values peaking at 0.83% Rb2O. These grades notably exceed those of the adjacent operating mine, particularly for tantalum, where Askari’s samples average significantly higher concentrations.
Drilling Confirms Polymetallic Potential
RC drilling campaigns totaling 6,384 metres across 114 holes have further validated the surface sampling results. Intercepts include 4 metres at 0.16% SnO2, 4 metres at 314 ppm Ta2O5, and 2 metres at 0.30% Rb2O, with some intervals showing even higher grades within narrower widths. These results confirm the presence of polymetallic mineralisation at depth and support the potential for economic extraction.
Strategic Implications and Next Steps
Askari’s Director, Gino D’Anna, emphasised the strategic value of the Uis Project, noting that despite sharing geology with the operating mine, previous exploration had not focused on tin and tantalum potential. The company views the project as a valuable polymetallic asset with significant upside, particularly given the underexplored nature of the tenement.
Looking ahead, Askari plans to conduct further trenching, detailed mapping, and rock chip sampling to refine and expand known mineralised zones. Pending positive results, a second phase of trenching and additional drilling campaigns are anticipated to delineate high-confidence targets for resource definition.
Broader Portfolio and Market Position
Beyond Uis, Askari Metals is also advancing its Matemanga Uranium Project in Tanzania and evaluating divestment options for Australian assets. The company’s recent partnership with lithium industry heavyweight Huayou Cobalt underscores its commitment to developing strategic mineral projects in Southern Africa.
Bottom Line?
Askari’s reinterpretation of historical data at Uis signals a compelling polymetallic opportunity, with upcoming exploration poised to unlock its full potential.
Questions in the middle?
- How will forthcoming trenching and drilling results impact the resource estimation at Uis?
- What are the economic implications of the higher tantalum grades compared to the adjacent mine?
- Could Askari’s polymetallic focus attract strategic partnerships or off-take agreements?