Bayan Mining Unveils High-Grade Rare Earth Targets Near Mountain Pass
Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited reports significant progress in its rare earth and gold exploration projects, highlighted by high-grade assay results and strategic land acquisitions in California and Nevada.
- 117 lode claims staked in California’s Desert Star rare earth corridor
- High-grade rare earth assays up to 2.6% TREO from initial sampling
- Four priority REE targets identified via integrated geophysical and geochemical data
- Step change in gold exploration results at Bayan Springs South, Nevada
- Over A$3.5 million raised to fund ongoing exploration and development
Strategic Land Acquisition and Exploration Momentum
Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited (ASX, BMM) has made notable strides in its September 2025 quarter, staking 117 lode claims across the Desert Star and Desert Star North Projects in California’s Mojave Desert. These projects lie within a highly prospective rare earth element (REE) corridor, just a few kilometres from MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine; the only rare earth mine currently operating in North America and one of the world’s largest and highest-grade deposits.
This strategic positioning places Bayan in a prime location to potentially tap into the growing demand for critical minerals essential to clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.
Encouraging High-Grade Assay Results
Initial reconnaissance sampling has yielded impressive results, with heavy mineral concentrate assays reaching up to 26,286 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), equivalent to 2.6%. Rock chip samples also returned significant grades, including 7,841 ppm TREO. These findings confirm the presence of structurally controlled, oxidised pegmatite–gneiss systems with strong REE enrichment potential.
Four high-priority target zones (ST1, ST2, ST3, and NT1) have been delineated through a sophisticated integration of USGS airborne magnetics, gravity, radiometric data, satellite spectral analysis, and surface geochemistry. Ground geophysical surveys completed in October aim to refine these targets further, with maiden drilling planned pending U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) approvals expected imminently.
Advances in Nevada Gold Exploration
Meanwhile, Bayan’s Bayan Springs South Project in Nevada has delivered a step change in exploration results. Located along the prolific Carlin Trend, the project returned rock chip gold grades up to 8.25 g/t and soil anomalies exceeding 0.3 g/t Au, expanding the known jasperoid alteration footprint. These results underscore the project’s potential to host significant Carlin-type gold mineralisation, with further geophysical surveys and drill planning underway.
Capital Raising and Strategic Appointments
To support its exploration activities, Bayan completed capital raises totaling over A$3.5 million during the quarter, including placements and a loyalty option offer that was significantly oversubscribed. The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of A$3.5 million, providing a solid financial foundation for upcoming work programs.
Key leadership appointments include Dr. Steve Feldgus as Strategic Advisor for U.S. projects, bringing deep expertise in U.S. minerals policy and permitting, and Rafael Moreno as Non-Executive Director, whose extensive experience in mining project delivery is expected to bolster Bayan’s operational capabilities.
Portfolio Rationalisation and Focus
In a strategic portfolio adjustment, Bayan withdrew from the Gorge Lithium Project in Canada to concentrate resources on higher-potential assets in rare earths and gold. While lithium exploration continues at other Canadian projects, the company’s focus remains on advancing its U.S.-based critical minerals and precious metals projects.
With exploration expenditure of $586,000 during the quarter and ongoing business development efforts, Bayan is positioning itself to capitalize on the growing demand for rare earths and gold, particularly within the U.S. supply chain context.
Bottom Line?
As Bayan awaits drilling approvals and further assay results, its strategic positioning near Mountain Pass and strengthened leadership could unlock significant value in the critical minerals sector.
Questions in the middle?
- Will Bayan’s maiden drilling at Desert Star confirm the high-grade REE potential indicated by surface sampling?
- How will Dr. Feldgus’ expertise influence Bayan’s permitting and downstream supply chain integration in the U.S.?
- What impact will Bayan’s portfolio focus have on its long-term growth and diversification strategy?
