Mpyupyu Flats Drilling Yields 51.2Mt at 4.38% THM, Scoping Study Nears
Chilwa Minerals reports robust assay results from 347 sonic drill holes at the Mpyupyu Flats deposit, reinforcing its resource base and progressing a scoping study for early 2026.
- 347 sonic drill holes completed at Mpyupyu Flats with significant Total Heavy Mineral (THM) grades
- Combined Mpyupyu Deposits hold 51.2Mt at 4.38% THM (Indicated and Inferred)
- Resource estimation underway incorporating Monazite as a rare earth element product
- Metallurgical studies confirm potential for ilmenite, zircon, garnet, and monazite products
- Scoping study targeted for completion in Q1 2026
Robust Drilling Results at Mpyupyu Flats
Chilwa Minerals Limited (ASX – CHW) has delivered a comprehensive update on its Mpyupyu Flats deposit within the Lake Chilwa Heavy Mineral Sands (HMS) project in Malawi. The company reported assay results from 347 sonic drill holes, totaling 2,367 meters, sampled on a detailed 75 by 75 meter grid in the northern, higher-grade portion of the deposit. These results reveal significant Total Heavy Mineral (THM) grades, with intercepts reaching up to 21.14% THM over short intervals, underscoring the deposit’s promising mineralisation.
Resource Confidence and Expansion
The Mpyupyu Deposits, comprising both the dune and flats areas, currently boast a combined Mineral Resource estimate of 51.2 million tonnes at an average grade of 4.38% THM, split between Indicated and Inferred categories. The recent drilling campaign aims to enhance resource confidence and upgrade classifications ahead of forthcoming resource estimates. Drilling continues on the broader Mpyupyu Flats area on a wider 100 by 200 meter grid, with results expected to feed into a new mineral resource update.
Incorporating Rare Earth Elements
Notably, Chilwa is integrating Monazite, a rare earth element-bearing mineral, into its resource modelling and product streams. This inclusion follows positive flow sheet studies demonstrating the viability of extracting Monazite alongside traditional HMS products such as ilmenite, zircon, and garnet. The company’s metallurgical testwork, including recent flow sheet trials on the Mposa deposit, has confirmed the potential to produce a sulfate-grade ilmenite product with 51% TiO2, alongside valuable co-products.
Progress Towards Feasibility
Chilwa’s Managing Director, Cadell Buss, highlighted the strategic approach underpinning the drilling programs, which leverage historic data and recent geophysical surveys to target higher-grade zones effectively. With drilling nearing completion, the company is focusing on finalising mineral resource estimates for Mposa and Mpyupyu deposits, with publication targeted before year-end. Concurrently, a scoping study is advancing, aiming for completion in the first quarter of 2026, which will provide critical insights into project economics and development pathways.
Broader Exploration and Rare Earth Potential
Beyond HMS, Chilwa continues exploration on 47 identified carbonatite targets for rare earth elements, with drilling ongoing at the Mpyupyu target. Upcoming ICP-MS assay results are anticipated to shed further light on the rare earth potential, potentially adding a strategic dimension to the company’s critical minerals portfolio.
Bottom Line?
Chilwa Minerals’ latest drilling and metallurgical progress at Mpyupyu Flats sets the stage for resource upgrades and a pivotal scoping study in early 2026.
Questions in the middle?
- How will the inclusion of Monazite impact the overall project economics and product mix?
- What are the expected timelines and key milestones for the upcoming resource estimates and scoping study?
- How might the rare earth exploration results influence Chilwa’s strategic direction and market positioning?
