AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has reported encouraging early findings from a helicopter-borne aeromagnetic and radiometric survey at its 100%-owned Myoff Creek niobium and rare earths project in eastern British Columbia, Canada.
The preliminary results confirm carbonatite mineralisation consistent with historical drilling in the northern part of the project and point to potential extensions in previously untested areas to the south.
Survey results highlight new targets
The airborne program, conducted by Precision GeoSurveys, covered 70-line kilometres across the Myoff Creek tenure in a systematic low-level grid pattern.
Northern area of Myoff project showing correlation of historic drill holes with radiometric survey
Initial interpretation shows anomalies correlating with a 1.4-kilometre by 0.4-kilometre near-surface carbonatite zone identified by historic drilling, which contained notable niobium and rare earth oxide intercepts.
Importantly, the survey also highlighted fresh anomalous zones in the central and southern project areas. These have not been drilled or explored previously and are now considered priority targets for follow-up work.
Preliminary radiometric survey of the whole Myoff project area, highlighting newly-identified anomalous zones in the centre and to the south
Managing director Paul Williams said the results reinforced the project’s exploration potential at a time when interest in critical minerals is accelerating.
“With the strong levels of market interest in the exploration and development of rare earth elements (REEs), the company is pleased to announce the preliminary results from the recently completed aeromagnetic and radiometric survey at Myoff Creek,” Williams said.
“The survey results are consistent with historical drilling that outlined a 1.4-km-by-0.4-km near-surface Nb-REE-bearing carbonatite zone, while also highlighting the potential for significant extensions of mineralisation across the broader tenure. Final interpretation results are expected shortly and will guide future exploration activities.”
The company expects final survey maps and interpretations within weeks, which will shape its next phase of exploration.
Strategic location
Myoff Creek is positioned in the South Central Mining Region of British Columbia, an established hub for mineral extraction and processing. The region hosts major operations such as Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper mine and Hudbay Minerals’ Copper Mountain mine.
The project benefits from nearby infrastructure, including access roads, accommodation and services from the township of Seymour Arm and larger commercial support from Kamloops, the regional centre with a population of 108,000.
Myoff Creek Project location
Portfolio expansion & next steps
Beyond Myoff Creek, AuKing is advancing a corporate milestone with the planned acquisition of Orion Resources, announced earlier this month. The deal will give AuKing full ownership of the Cloncurry Gold Project in Queensland, removing joint venture complexities around cornerstone deposits at Mt Freda and Golden Mile.
Completion of the acquisition, subject to shareholder and ASX approval, is targeted for late October 2025.
At Myoff Creek, AuKing said it would release the finalised airborne survey data shortly, with the information expected to deliver a clearer picture of mineralisation trends and direct future drill planning.