Chilwa Minerals Confirms High-Grade Mineral Sands at Mpyupyu Dune

Strong Assay Results from Mpyupyu Dune

Chilwa Minerals Limited (ASX – CHW) has announced a second batch of assay results from its ongoing sonic drilling program at the Mpyupyu Dune deposit in southern Malawi. The assays, derived from 127 drillholes totaling 947 metres, reveal consistently high-grade intersections of Total Heavy Minerals (THM), with some intervals exceeding 30% THM near surface. These results bolster confidence in the deposit’s quality and continuity, particularly within two sub-parallel lobate strandlines historically known as the Mpyupyu Dunes.

Resource Context and Project Significance

The Mpyupyu deposit is a key component of Chilwa’s Critical Minerals Project, comprising ten mineral sand deposits around Lake Chilwa. It currently holds an Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) of 19.9 million tonnes at 4.2% THM, with the dune portion alone accounting for 3.5 million tonnes at a notably higher grade of 7.1% THM. The recent sonic drilling campaign, which has completed 359 holes over 2.7 kilometres of strike, aims to upgrade the resource confidence and support future mining studies.

Operational Efficiencies and Upcoming Milestones

Chilwa has transitioned its assay work to Light Deep Earth (Pty) Ltd, a Pretoria-based laboratory, which has significantly accelerated turnaround times. This efficiency is critical as the company prepares updated mineral resource estimates not only for Mpyupyu but also for the nearby Mposa deposit, with the latter’s resource upgrade expected in the coming weeks. Additionally, a scoping study managed by TZ Minerals International is underway, targeting multiple central zone deposits including Mposa, Mpyupyu, Bimbi, and Namasalima, with results anticipated by the September quarter.

Broader Exploration and Rare Earth Potential

Beyond mineral sands, Chilwa is actively exploring 47 carbonatite targets for rare earth elements (REE), a critical component of the global clean energy transition. Soil sampling has been completed on 30 targets, with positive pathfinder results reported earlier this year. Drilling at the first REE target in Mposa is underway, with assay results expected shortly. This diversification underscores Chilwa’s strategic positioning in critical minerals beyond heavy mineral sands.

Technical Rigor and Compliance

The company’s drilling and sampling protocols adhere strictly to industry standards, with comprehensive quality control measures including duplicates, blanks, and reference materials. The data underpinning the resource estimates comply with the JORC Code (2012), and all results have been verified by qualified geologists and independent consultants. Chilwa confirms no material changes to previously reported resource assumptions, maintaining transparency and reliability for investors.