Chilwa’s Carbonatite Discovery Raises Stakes in Rare Earth Race Amid Ongoing Drilling

Discovery at Mpyupyu, A New Chapter for Chilwa Minerals

Chilwa Minerals Limited (ASX, CHW) has announced a landmark discovery at its Mpyupyu target within the Lake Chilwa Critical Minerals Project in southern Malawi. The company’s initial diamond drilling, particularly hole MPYDD001, has intersected elevated total rare earth oxide (TREO) grades, peaking at 2,935 ppm over a narrow interval. This discovery confirms the presence of a mineralised syenite-fenite intrusive complex, a geological setting known to host rare earth element (REE) mineralisation.

These encouraging results come from the first of a planned 10 diamond drill holes targeting a thorium anomalous carbonatite system, one of 47 geophysical and geochemical anomalies identified through comprehensive airborne radiometric and magnetic surveys completed in 2024. The Mpyupyu target has now been prioritised among 18 top prospects based on soil geochemistry and geophysical data.

Geological Context and Significance

The Mpyupyu discovery aligns closely with the geological model of known REE deposits such as Mkango Resources’ Songwe Hill project, located just 40 kilometres southwest. Both feature carbonatite-hosted REE mineralisation associated with syenite intrusions forming prominent topographic highs. Chilwa’s drilling intersected ferro-carbonatite and silico-carbonatite units, confirming the presence of these key lithologies.

Notably, the mineralisation is dominantly light rare earth elements enriched in niobium and associated with sulphide alteration. Significant intercepts include 48.5 metres at 1,567 ppm TREO from 73.2 metres downhole and 33 metres at 1,545 ppm TREO from 132.9 metres. These intervals suggest a robust mineralised system extending from weathered saprolite into fresh basement rock.

Ongoing Exploration and Future Prospects

Chilwa’s Managing Director, Cadell Buss, highlighted the importance of this discovery, emphasizing that the consistent TREO values and discrete higher-grade zones validate the company’s targeting approach. Drilling is continuing with holes MPYDD003 and MPYDD004 underway, and assay results from MPYDD003 are expected within weeks.

The company is also exploring options to deploy a second diamond drill rig to accelerate the program. This aggressive exploration strategy reflects Chilwa’s confidence in uncovering a major rare earth system, bolstered by recent confirmation of monazite in their heavy mineral sands flow sheet.

While the true widths of mineralisation remain to be determined, and visual estimates await assay confirmation, the discovery marks a pivotal step in Chilwa’s dual exploration strategy targeting both rare earth elements and heavy mineral sands within the same tenement area.

Strategic Implications

Rare earth elements are critical to emerging technologies and clean energy applications, making discoveries like Mpyupyu strategically significant. Chilwa’s progress positions it as a potential key player in the African critical minerals sector, with the potential to contribute to global supply chains amid increasing demand.