Four Rare Earth Targets Identified at Bayan’s Desert Star Projects in California
Bayan Mining and Minerals has identified four compelling rare earth element targets at its Desert Star Projects in California, leveraging advanced geophysical data near the Mountain Pass Mine. The findings set the stage for detailed ground surveys and potential drilling.
- Four priority REE targets identified – ST1, ST2, ST3, NT1
- Targets defined by integrated magnetic, gravity, radiometric, and geochemical anomalies
- Desert Star Projects located within 5 km of Mountain Pass and Colosseum Gold Mine
- Planned ground magnetic, radiometric, and gravity surveys to refine targets
- Downstream evaluation initiated to support U.S. rare earth supply chain
Strategic Location and Geological Promise
Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited (ASX – BMM) has announced the results of a comprehensive geophysical desktop study across its 100% owned Desert Star Projects in California’s Mojave Desert. The study highlights four high-priority rare earth element (REE) target zones, ST1, ST2, ST3 within the Desert Star claim block, and NT1 in Desert Star North, each characterized by coincident magnetic, gravity, radiometric, geochemical, and spectral anomalies.
These targets lie within a structurally favorable corridor that hosts the Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine, North America’s largest and highest-grade REE operation, as well as the nearby Colosseum Gold Mine. The proximity to these world-class deposits underscores the potential significance of Bayan’s findings.
Integrated Geophysical Insights
The study integrated multiple datasets, including USGS airborne magnetics and radiometrics, gravity surveys, magnetotelluric profiles, and satellite spectral analysis from Sentinel-2 and ASTER. This multidisciplinary approach revealed gravity highs coincident with magnetic lows and elevated thorium-to-uranium ratios, signatures consistent with REE-bearing carbonatite systems similar to Mountain Pass.
Targets ST1 through ST3 exhibit strong gravity anomalies and structural intersections, while NT1 shows moderate radiometric anomalies and fault intersections, suggesting structurally controlled mineralization. These geophysical signatures provide a robust predictive model for REE exploration in the region.
Next Steps Toward Drill Targets
Bayan plans to advance the project with detailed ground magnetic and radiometric surveys, alongside a gravity survey, to refine the geometry of these priority zones. This groundwork aims to fast-track the identification of scout drilling targets, a critical step toward confirming mineralization and advancing the project’s development.
Executive Director Fadi Diab emphasized the strategic importance of the project’s location and the strength of the integrated geophysical data, expressing optimism about Desert Star’s potential to become a cornerstone REE asset for Bayan in the U.S.
Broader Implications for U.S. Supply Chains
In addition to exploration, Bayan has initiated downstream evaluation efforts to secure a foothold in the U.S. rare earth supply chain, a sector of growing strategic importance amid global supply concerns. The Desert Star Projects’ proximity to infrastructure such as interstate highways, rail lines, and renewable power sources further enhances their development potential.
While these results are based on desktop interpretations without new drilling data, they represent a significant milestone in Bayan’s exploration journey and position the company well within a globally critical minerals corridor.
Bottom Line?
Bayan’s Desert Star Projects are poised to enter a pivotal exploration phase that could reshape U.S. rare earth supply dynamics.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming ground surveys confirm the geophysical targets’ mineralization potential?
- How quickly can Bayan progress from scout drilling to resource definition?
- What role might Desert Star play in securing U.S. rare earth supply amid geopolitical pressures?
