AuKing Mining has confirmed a widespread carbonatite system at its Tundulu Rare Earth Project in Malawi, intersecting carbonatite in 26 of 27 reverse circulation drill holes and setting the stage for diamond drilling to commence.
- Over 3,850m reverse circulation drilling completed across 27 holes
- Carbonatite intersected in 96% of drill holes at multiple Tundulu targets
- Step-out drilling confirms carbonatite continuity beyond historical Nathace Hill
- Diamond drilling scheduled to start late July to test extensions and depth
- Assay results pending to assess rare earth mineralisation potential
Carbonatite System Expands Beyond Initial Targets
AuKing Mining Limited (ASX:AKN) has strengthened the geological case for a district-scale rare earths system at its Tundulu Rare Earth Project in Malawi. The company has intersected carbonatite lithologies in 26 out of 27 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes completed so far, representing a >95% hit rate that far exceeds typical exploration benchmarks. These results come from step-out drilling around Kamilala Hill and Tundulu Hill, located approximately 800 metres east of the historically drilled Nathace Hill, significantly expanding the known footprint of the carbonatite intrusive complex.
Managing Director Paul Williams highlighted the continuing expansion of the carbonatite system, noting that the intersections extend well beyond the original Nathace Hill focus. The widespread presence of carbonatite across multiple hills within the Tundulu project area suggests a much larger geological system than previously recognised, although assay results are still awaited to confirm the extent of rare earth mineralisation.
Drilling Progress and Geological Logging
To date, AuKing has completed more than 3,850 metres of RC drilling across 27 holes, with an additional three holes planned to bring the RC program to approximately 4,130 metres. The drilling contractor Thompson Resources is set to mobilise a diamond drilling rig later in July to follow up on the RC results with deeper and more targeted drilling. The diamond drilling will include surface holes and diamond tails extending from selected RC holes, with final targets to be refined based on geological logging, geophysical data, and upcoming assay results.
Geological logging of the RC drill chips has confirmed consistent carbonatite lithologies characterised by oxidised ferruginous intervals, abundant carbonate fragments, and pervasive iron oxide alteration. These observations align closely with historical drilling records, reinforcing confidence in the continuity of the intrusive units. Notably, nine drill holes contain more than 100 metres of logged carbonatite, underscoring the scale and thickness of the intrusive complex.
Strategic Implications for Rare Earth Exploration at Tundulu
The Tundulu project covers six interpreted carbonatite complexes, of which three; Nathace Hill, Kamilala Hill, and Tundulu Hill; have now been drill tested with positive geological outcomes. The remaining complexes at Makhanga Hill, Namuka Hill, and Chigwakwalu Hill remain untested, leaving substantial upside potential for further discovery within the licence area. The project’s location in Malawi, with a secure exploration licence and no known third-party impediments, provides a stable platform for ongoing exploration.
AuKing’s approach integrates recent airborne magnetic survey data with drilling results to refine its geological model. This integrated strategy aims to delineate the full extent of the carbonatite system and prioritise targets for diamond drilling, which is critical for defining rare earth mineralisation at depth and assessing economic viability.
Laboratory assays for rare earth elements and associated minerals are pending, with initial results expected to provide the first quantitative measure of the project’s mineral potential. These results will be pivotal in shaping the next phase of exploration and potential resource estimation.
Bottom Line?
AuKing’s expanding carbonatite footprint at Tundulu sets a promising stage, but assay results and diamond drilling outcomes will be crucial to validate rare earth potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will upcoming assay results confirm economically significant rare earth mineralisation across the expanded carbonatite system?
- How will diamond drilling refine the geological model and target selection beyond the current RC drilling footprint?
- What exploration strategy will AuKing adopt for the untested carbonatite complexes within the Tundulu licence area?