AuKing Mining has completed 4,300m of reverse circulation drilling at its Tundulu Rare Earths Project in Malawi, confirming widespread carbonatite intersections and commencing a significant diamond drilling campaign to test depth extensions.
- 4,300m reverse circulation drilling completed across 31 holes
- Carbonatite intersected in 28 drill holes supporting geological model
- Diamond drilling program underway targeting up to 10,000m by year-end
- Export permits secured for nearly 3,000 samples with assays imminent
- Initial mineral resource estimate targeted for late 2026 or early 2027
Widespread Carbonatite Confirmed in RC Drilling
AuKing Mining Limited (ASX:AKN) has wrapped up the reverse circulation (RC) drilling phase at its Tundulu Rare Earths Project in southern Malawi, delivering 4,300 metres across 31 holes. Geological logging confirms carbonatite lithologies in 28 of those holes, a 90% hit rate that bolsters the company’s geological interpretation of an extensive carbonatite intrusive complex. Notably, these intersections are not confined to the historically drilled Nathace Hill but extend to step-out areas west and northeast, highlighting a potentially larger footprint than previously understood.
The RC drilling was designed to validate historical data and establish lithological markers, with the first two holes drilled adjacent to legacy drill sites. Logging revealed oxidised ferruginous carbonatite intervals with abundant carbonate fragments and iron oxide alteration, consistent with prior drilling and enhancing confidence in geological continuity. Seven holes logged over 100 metres of carbonatite, underscoring the scale of the intrusive system awaiting assay confirmation.
Diamond Drilling Begins to Test Depth Continuity
Following RC completion, AuKing has mobilised a diamond drilling rig to site, aiming to drill up to 10,000 metres by the end of 2026. The program will combine new surface drillholes and diamond tails extending from select RC holes drilled to around 150 metres depth. Two holes are planned to reach approximately 500 metres, focusing on testing the depth extent of the carbonatite system beneath Nathace Hill and surrounding targets.
The diamond core will be crucial for preliminary metallurgical and mineralogical test work, feeding into an initial mineral resource estimate expected by late 2026 or early 2027. The program’s intensity; operating two shifts over 24 hours to average 80 metres per day; signals AuKing’s commitment to advancing Tundulu rapidly.
Sample Export Permits and Upcoming Assays
This steady flow of assay data is expected to continue over the next two months, followed by diamond drill sample assays. The results will be integrated with historical data and recent airborne magnetic surveys to refine the geological model and guide further exploration decisions.
Strategic Implications for Tundulu’s Rare Earth Potential
AuKing’s confirmation of a widespread carbonatite system beyond the historically drilled core area expands the potential scale of the Tundulu Rare Earths Project. The transition from RC to diamond drilling marks a pivotal shift from surface-level exploration to testing the vertical continuity critical for resource definition.
While assay results are pending, the geological validation supports the company’s exploration thesis. The upcoming resource estimate will be a key milestone, potentially transforming Tundulu from a promising exploration target to a defined rare earth resource. Given the global demand for rare earth elements, particularly for clean energy technologies, the market will be watching closely as assay data and resource modelling unfold.
Bottom Line?
AuKing’s ramp-up to diamond drilling and imminent assay results set the stage for a critical resource update that could redefine Tundulu’s rare earth potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm economically viable rare earth grades at Tundulu?
- How extensive is the carbonatite system beyond the current drilling footprint?
- What metallurgical characteristics will diamond core samples reveal for processing?