Myoff Creek Hosts 0.93% Niobium and 2.06% Rare Earth Oxides in Historical Drilling
AuKing Mining has initiated a helicopter-borne aeromagnetic and radiometric survey at its Myoff Creek project in British Columbia, aiming to unlock the potential of its niobium and rare earth mineralisation.
- Exploration begins at 100% owned Myoff Creek Niobium/REE project
- Historical near-surface carbonatite mineralisation spans 1.4 km by 0.4 km
- High-grade historical intercepts include 0.93% niobium and 2.06% total rare earth oxides
- Helicopter survey covers 70 line kilometres to map mineralisation extent
- Project located in a well-established mining region with strong infrastructure
Exploration Kickoff in a Promising Region
AuKing Mining Limited (ASX, AKN) has officially commenced exploration activities at its wholly owned Myoff Creek project in British Columbia, Canada. This marks a significant step forward for the company as it targets rare earth elements (REEs) and niobium within a region known for its rich mineral endowment. The project area covers approximately 800 hectares and is strategically positioned in the South-Central mining region, home to major operations such as Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper Mine.
Historical Data Highlights Potential
Historical exploration at Myoff Creek has identified near-surface carbonatite mineralisation extending over 1.4 kilometres by 0.4 kilometres. Notably, previous drilling reported high-grade intercepts including 0.93% niobium and 2.06% total rare earth oxides (TREO), figures that underscore the project's potential. However, AuKing cautions that these results have not yet been independently verified or reported under the JORC Code 2012 standards, meaning further work is required to confirm their reliability.
Advanced Survey to Guide Next Steps
The company’s initial exploration program involves a helicopter-borne aeromagnetic and radiometric survey spanning 70 line kilometres. This high-resolution aerial survey is designed to map the extent of the carbonatite mineralisation across the entire tenure area. The data collected will be crucial in defining future drilling targets and refining the understanding of the deposit’s size and grade. The survey is expected to commence shortly, pending helicopter availability and local conditions, with results anticipated within a month after completion.
Geological Setting and Strategic Location
Myoff Creek lies within the Proterozoic age Shuswap Metamorphic Complex, a geological belt known for hosting niobium and rare earth-bearing carbonatites. The deposit type is comparable to other significant carbonatite-hosted REE deposits in northern British Columbia, such as Aley and Wicheeda. The site benefits from excellent accessibility, with well-maintained roads and proximity to the township of Seymour Arm and the regional centre Kamloops, which provide logistical and professional support.
Balancing Optimism with Caution
While the historical data and geological setting are encouraging, AuKing remains cautious, emphasizing that the exploration results to date require further validation. The company’s methodical approach, starting with the aerial survey, reflects a commitment to rigorous evaluation before advancing to more capital-intensive drilling programs. This measured strategy will be closely watched by investors eager to see how the project’s potential unfolds.
Bottom Line?
AuKing’s next few months of exploration will be pivotal in defining the true scale of Myoff Creek’s rare earth and niobium potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming survey confirm extensions of the high-grade mineralisation beyond historical zones?
- How soon can AuKing deliver JORC-compliant resource estimates following the aerial survey?
- What are the implications of regional mining activity for potential project development timelines?
