Kingfisher Mining Ltd (ASX:KFM) has confirmed the presence of numerous rare earth elements (REE) and carbonatite mineralisation pathfinder elements from its review of previous exploration data at the large-scale LK1 carbonatite target, situated with the Arthur River Project in WA's Gascoyne Mineral Field.
During the program, the company established the presence of siderite, potassic alteration and anomalous REEs as well as pathfinder elements from its previous drilling and surface sampling at LK1.
Notably, Kingfisher’s airborne surveys highlighted numerous circular magnetic and radiometric features which are interpreted to be potential carbonatite pipes in the LK1 area and broader Arthur River tenement package.
Consequently, the drilling, rock chips and surveys all highlight a large target area with potential carbonatite plugs which extend over a strike length of nine kilometres and are more than 6.5 kilometres wide.
Looking ahead, Kingfisher is set to kick off fieldwork in March, with the company’s full exploration plans for 2023 to be revealed in the coming weeks, ahead of the field season.
Large-scale carbonatite system
Kingfisher executive director and CEO James Farrell said: “In January we announced the results from our airborne geophysics surveys which led to the identification of 17 large-scale carbonatite plug and dyke targets across the 84 kilometres of strike of our Chalba and Lockier target corridors.
“We have now completed a review of historical exploration data which covers the largest target, LK1.
“The review has revealed an enormously exciting and significant body of evidence which supports the presence of a large-scale carbonatite system, including iron carbonates, fenite alteration as well as anomalous REE and pathfinder elements from previous drill holes and surface samples across the large target area.
“Fieldwork at LK1 and other high-priority targets is set to commence in March and will be initially focused on advancing the potential carbonatite intrusion targets.”
Total magnetic intensity (A) and thorium responses (B) showing compelling carbonatite targets.
Forward plan
On-ground mapping and sampling of the ironstones and potential carbonatite intrusions at the LK1 target is a high priority for the company and is scheduled to kick off in a few weeks.
The historical drill sites of Barranco Resources will be visited and any residual drill spoils assessed for REE anomalism.
Kingfisher's exploration activities across its Gascoyne Projects will also include drilling at MW2, MW7 and MW8 as well as substantial project generation work at KF3 as well as the CH1 to CH10 targets along the 54-kilometre Chalba target corridor and the LK1 to LK7 targets along the 30km Lockier target corridor.
Furthermore, the 2023 exploration activities are also likely to include airborne geophysics across the Mooloo project.