Initial pXRF Scans Show Up to 749 ppm TREE in Kaili’s South Australia Drilling
Kaili Resources has reported encouraging initial pXRF results from its latest aircore drilling campaign targeting rare earth elements in South Australia's Mallee Project. Full assay results are pending, setting the stage for expanded exploration.
- Initial pXRF scans reveal significant partial TREE values in shallow drilling intervals
- 52 samples submitted for comprehensive laboratory analysis of full rare earth suite
- Drilling program completed 24 holes totaling 432 metres across Lameroo and Coodalya tenements
- Pre-approved permits allow up to 300 holes and 6,000 metres of future drilling
- Results align with regional successes by Australian Rare Earths in nearby Murray Basin
Early Signs of Rare Earth Potential
Kaili Resources Limited has announced initial results from its February 2026 aircore drilling program at the Mallee Project in South Australia, focusing on the Lameroo and Coodalya tenements. Using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) technology, the company identified encouraging concentrations of total rare earth elements (TREE) in shallow intervals, with standout readings such as 749 ppm at 13-14 metres depth.
These preliminary pXRF results represent partial data covering five key rare earth elements, including cerium, praseodymium, lanthanum, neodymium, and yttrium. To validate and expand on these findings, Kaili has submitted 52 samples exceeding 200 ppm TREE to the ALS laboratory in Adelaide for comprehensive analysis of the full rare earth suite, with total rare earth oxide (TREO) results expected to provide a clearer picture of the deposit’s quality.
Strategic Drilling and Regional Context
The drilling campaign comprised 24 aircore holes totalling 432 metres, strategically sited along roadside verges to minimise land disruption and cover a broad area of the Loxton/Parilla Sands stratigraphy within the Murray Basin. This approach reflects a careful balance between exploration efficiency and environmental considerations, with local council approvals facilitating access.
Kaili’s exploration efforts are bolstered by the nearby success of Australian Rare Earths, which has reported a JORC-compliant resource of 236 million tonnes at 748 ppm TREO in the region. This regional context adds weight to Kaili’s findings and underscores the Mallee Project’s potential as a significant rare earth resource.
Looking Ahead, Expanding the Exploration Footprint
With pre-approved permits from the South Australian Department of Energy and Minerals allowing up to 300 holes and 6,000 metres of drilling, Kaili Resources is poised to accelerate its exploration program. The company’s principal geologist highlighted the encouraging nature of the initial results and the anticipation surrounding the forthcoming laboratory assays, which will guide the focus of subsequent drilling phases.
The methodical logging, quality control measures, and adherence to JORC 2012 standards detailed in the announcement provide confidence in the robustness of the data collected so far. Kaili’s commitment to rigorous sampling and verification protocols will be critical as it seeks to delineate a viable resource in this early-stage project.
Technical and Environmental Considerations
The Mallee Project’s geology centres on ionic clay-style rare earth mineralisation hosted within Tertiary-aged strandlines, a deposit type increasingly recognised for its economic potential. Kaili’s use of aircore drilling and pXRF scanning represents an efficient, low-impact exploration methodology well-suited to the flat-lying Loxton/Parilla Sands environment.
Importantly, the company has ensured minimal environmental disturbance by drilling along road verges and securing necessary local approvals. Rehabilitation efforts are in place, reflecting responsible exploration practices in line with regulatory expectations.
Bottom Line?
As Kaili awaits full assay results, the Mallee Project’s rare earth promise could soon move from encouraging signs to a compelling resource story.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the full suite TREO assays confirm the initial pXRF indications of rare earth concentrations?
- How will Kaili prioritise drilling targets within the large pre-approved drilling envelope?
- What impact might regional developments by Australian Rare Earths have on Kaili’s project valuation and partnerships?
