Drilling Underway at Laverton: Over 10,000ppm TREO and 28m Gold Intercepts in Focus
Catalina Resources has launched a reverse circulation drilling campaign at its Laverton project, aiming to extend high-grade rare earth and gold mineralisation just 2km from the Mt Weld mine. The program seeks to confirm structural links to one of the world’s richest rare earth deposits.
- Drilling commenced targeting rare earth elements (REE) and gold at Laverton
- Previous aircore drilling intersected over 10,000ppm TREO in high-grade zones
- Project located less than 2km from Mt Weld REE mine owned by Lynas Rare Earths
- Significant gold intercepts include 28m at 1.09g/t Au from 57m depth
- Drilling focuses on extensions along the Barnicoat Shear Zone and fresh rock mineralisation
Drilling Begins at Strategic Laverton Project
Catalina Resources Limited (ASX, CTN) has initiated reverse circulation drilling at its Laverton project in Western Australia, targeting promising rare earth elements (REE) and gold mineralisation. Situated less than 2 kilometres from the world-class Mt Weld REE mine operated by Lynas Rare Earths, the Laverton project lies within the highly prospective Eastern Goldfields region, known for its rich mineral endowment.
The current drilling campaign aims to follow up on previous aircore results that revealed anomalous REE zones, including a standout intercept of 4 metres grading over 10,000 parts per million total rare earth oxides (TREO). This high-grade zone, identified in hole LVAC037, also contains a notable concentration of neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr), critical elements for modern technologies.
Potential Structural Link to Mt Weld
Executive Director Ross Cotton highlighted the geological significance of the project’s proximity to Mt Weld, one of the world’s richest rare earth deposits. The mineralisation style and host geology suggest a strong structural connection, which Catalina’s drilling program is designed to test aggressively. Confirming such a link could position Catalina as a key player in the rare earth supply chain, especially amid growing global demand for secure and sustainable sources.
Adding to the strategic importance, Catalina’s exploration coincides with heightened geopolitical interest in rare earths, underscored by recent agreements such as MP Materials’ supply deal with Apple and backing from the U.S. Department of Defense. Catalina’s location in a geopolitically stable jurisdiction further enhances its appeal as a potential supplier aligned with Western markets.
Gold Targets Along the Barnicoat Shear Zone
Beyond rare earths, the drilling program also targets significant gold mineralisation along the Barnicoat Shear Zone, a major structural feature hosting several notable gold deposits. Previous drilling intersected 28 metres at 1.09 grams per tonne gold, including a high-grade 1-metre interval at 9.69 grams per tonne. The current program seeks to test deeper fresh rock zones beneath the oxide layer, aiming to delineate higher-grade gold mineralisation.
These dual commodity targets; rare earths and gold; reflect Catalina’s diversified exploration approach and the potential for multiple value streams from the Laverton project.
Looking Ahead
While assay results from the current drilling are pending, Catalina’s strategic positioning near Mt Weld and its focus on high-grade zones could unlock significant resource growth. The company’s progress will be closely watched by investors and industry observers keen on rare earth supply dynamics and gold exploration in a proven mineral province.
Bottom Line?
Catalina’s drilling at Laverton could redefine its role in rare earth and gold markets, with results poised to shape its next growth phase.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the new drilling confirm a structural and mineralogical link to the Mt Weld REE deposit?
- How extensive and economically viable are the rare earth and gold mineralisation zones at depth?
- What impact could Catalina’s discoveries have on the rare earth supply chain amid rising geopolitical tensions?
