AuKing Mining has pushed its first diamond drill hole at the Tundulu Rare Earth Project in Malawi well beyond initial plans, intersecting carbonatite to 510.6 metres and suggesting a larger and deeper intrusive complex than previously mapped.
- Diamond drill hole extended to 510.6m at Tundulu
- Extensive carbonatite lithology confirmed beyond initial target
- Seven export permits secured for RC drill samples
- Samples now at preparation and assay laboratories
- Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate planned later in 2026
Diamond Drilling Reveals Deeper Carbonatite at Tundulu
AuKing Mining Limited (ASX:AKN) has significantly deepened its first diamond drill hole at the Tundulu Rare Earth Project in southern Malawi, extending it to 510.6 metres; nearly double the originally planned 300 metres. This extension came after geological logging identified continuous carbonatite intrusions well beyond the initial target depth, confirming that the carbonatite system is both deeper and more extensive than previously understood.
The diamond hole 26NH032, which was initially reverse circulation (RC) drilled to 150 metres, had a diamond tail planned to reach 300 metres. However, persistent carbonatite intersections compelled the drilling team to push the hole deeper. Logging at the end of the hole showed no sign of the carbonatite system terminating, suggesting an even larger intrusive complex awaits further definition.
Implications for Geological Model and Resource Potential
The widespread carbonatite lithology encountered not only around the primary Nathace Hill target but also in drillholes several hundred metres away supports AuKing's interpretation of a district-scale carbonatite intrusive complex. The extension of carbonatite to depths approaching 510 metres provides critical geological data that could materially expand the footprint of the mineralised system.
These findings underpin AuKing’s strategy to focus drilling around Nathace Hill to build a robust geological model in preparation for a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate planned for release later this year. The company’s Managing Director, Paul Williams, highlighted the importance of this deeper drilling phase, noting that the observations have broadened the understanding of the deposit’s scale.
Progress on Sample Export and Assay Reporting
Operationally, AuKing has secured seven export permits for samples collected during the RC drilling phase, covering over 4,000 samples. These samples are either at Intertek’s preparation facility in Zambia or en route there, with the first two batches comprising 1,270 samples now at the Perth laboratory for assay. The company is prioritising samples from the initial four drillholes to accelerate reporting of assay results.
While the delays in assay reporting have been a source of frustration, AuKing emphasises that its export and logistics process has proceeded faster than many peers operating in the region. The pending assay data will be pivotal in confirming the rare earth element grades and will inform the upcoming resource estimate.
Next Steps and Exploration Focus
Looking ahead, the drilling program will continue to target lateral and vertical extensions of the carbonatite system, with additional deep diamond holes planned. AuKing aims to gather comprehensive geological and assay data to underpin a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate before the end of 2026. The true widths of mineralisation remain unknown, and assay results will be essential to validate the economic potential of the Tundulu project.
Bottom Line?
The deeper-than-expected carbonatite intersections at Tundulu mark a promising step, but assay results will be the real test of the project's potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will assay results confirm economically viable rare earth grades at depth?
- How will the expanded geological model affect the scale of the maiden resource estimate?
- Could logistical challenges in sample export and assay delay impact project timelines?