AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has wasted no time at the Myoff Creek Niobium and Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in Canada, plotting a comprehensive suite of exploration activities to pursue throughout the rest of the year.
AKN plans to fly an airborne geophysical survey over a 6-kilometre by 1.5-kilometre carbonatite zone, which previously produced results of up to 0.93% niobium and 2.06% total rare earth oxides.
The company believes the mineralisation in this area remains open at depth and along strike, offering high potential for further discovery and resource expansion – AuKing has detected elevated niobium and cerium levels in rock chips up to 2 kilometres from the historically drilled zone.
High market interest in niobium
AuKing managing director Paul Williams said that with the strong levels of market interest in the exploration and development of niobium/rare earth elements, the company was keen to get some exploration activities underway at the recently acquired Myoff Creek project.
“Myoff Creek is situated in south-eastern British Colombia and has been the subject of exploration activities for 40 years,” Williams said.
“Previous exploration activities (including drilling programs) have identified a 1.4-kilometre by 0.4-kilometre area of near-surface niobium-REE bearing carbonatite hosted mineralisation.
“This work was focused on the northern area of the tenure package. We intend to use that historical exploration background to carry out a combination of airborne radiometric surveys and rock chip/soil sampling across the entire tenure area over the next few months.”
AuKing’s exploration manager Chris Bittar recently returned from a visit to site with local consultants, having developed this initial exploration program.
The company highlights the project’s strategic location in the South-Central mining region of British Columbia, which is known for its fertile mineral deposits as well as strong accessibility with well-maintained road infrastructure leading directly to the area.