AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has kicked off exploration activities at its 100%-owned Myoff Creek Niobium and Rare Earth Elements (REE) project in the South-Central mining region of British Columbia, Canada.
The company is set to conduct a helicopter-borne aeromagnetic and radiometric survey, covering 70 line kilometres across the project’s tenure. The initial exploration phase will focus on assessing the extent of carbonatite mineralisation, an area of strong interest due to historical findings and its potential for future discovery.
Exploration program overview
The Myoff Creek project, which consists of eight mineral claims spanning 800 hectares, lies in a geologically significant region known for its rich mineral deposits, including major operations like Teck Resources Ltd’ Highland Valley Copper Mine and Hudbay Minerals’ Copper Mountain Mine.
Myoff Creek Project location
AuKing plans to conduct a helicopter-borne aeromagnetic and radiometric survey covering 70 line kilometres across the project area. This survey will help to delineate the mineralised zone, with the aim of identifying additional exploration targets for future drilling programs.
Historical exploration at Myoff Creek has already uncovered notable carbonatite mineralisation, with a near-surface zone measuring 1.4 by 0.4 kilometres. This mineralisation remains open at depth and along strike, suggesting substantial potential for further discoveries.
Rock chip assays from a 2-kilometre radius around the mineralised zone have shown elevated levels of niobium and cerium, reinforcing the potential for additional mineralisation in the area.
Strategic location and geological context
Myoff Creek is located in the Proterozoic-age Shuswap Metamorphic Complex, a known belt for rare earths, niobium, and phosphorus-bearing carbonatites.
This geological belt is part of the Columbian Orogen in southeastern British Columbia, which also hosts the Aley and Wicheeda carbonatites, both of which have attracted significant exploration interest.
The carbonatites at Myoff Creek are Nephelinitic and ultramafic in nature, up to 200 metres thick, and are known for their high-grade mineralisation and low impurity content. These features, combined with the favourable location in a mining-friendly region, position Myoff Creek as an attractive target for further exploration.
Next steps for AuKing
The first priority for AuKing is to complete the aeromagnetic and radiometric survey, which is expected to take place in the coming weeks, subject to local weather conditions.
Once the survey is completed, the data will be processed and analysed, providing valuable insights into the extent of the carbonatite mineralisation. This will guide the company’s next steps, including potential drilling programs aimed at expanding the known mineralised zones and identifying new targets.
With strong geological potential and a strategic location in a region rich with mining infrastructure, the Myoff Creek project represents a promising opportunity for AuKing as it continues to explore for niobium and rare earth elements in Canada.