AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has received final results from a high-resolution airborne survey confirming potential extensions of carbonatite mineralisation at its Myoff Creek Niobium-Rare Earths Project in British Columbia, Canada.
The company said the findings reinforce earlier interpretations of near-surface niobium (Nb) and total rare earth oxide (TREO) mineralisation in the northern sector of the project while highlighting new untested anomalies to the south that could significantly expand the known footprint.
Myoff Creek Project location.
Final survey highlights growth potential
The helicopter-borne aeromagnetic and radiometric survey — comprising 70 line kilometres — was flown by Precision GeoSurveys Inc. across the Myoff Creek tenure earlier this year.
AuKing’s assessment of the final dataset confirmed consistency with previous drilling that defined a 1.4-kilometre-by-400-metre niobium- and rare earth element (REE)-bearing carbonatite zone. Importantly, the survey also outlined additional anomalous areas in the central and southern portions of the project that may represent extensions of the same carbonatite system.
Managing director Paul Williams said the outcome strengthens the project’s profile at a time when investor appetite for rare earth projects remains strong.
“The strong levels of market interest in the exploration and development of rare earth elements in North America provide a solid backdrop for the company releasing final survey 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-by-0.4-kilometre near-surface Nb-REE-bearing carbonatite zone, while also highlighting the potential for significant extensions of mineralisation across the broader tenure,” he added. “AuKing will now assess the extent of future exploration activities based on these potentially exciting results.”
New anomalies strengthen exploration pipeline
The airborne data revealed elevated uranium- and thorium-equivalent responses — elements typically associated with carbonatite-hosted rare-earth mineralisation — in areas not previously explored.
Uranium equivalent concentration across the Myoff Creek project showing correlation of historic drill holes with radiometric survey.
These anomalies provide multiple new targets for follow-up drilling designed to test the strike and geometry of the carbonatite unit. AuKing said the integrated interpretation of magnetic and radiometric patterns would allow it to prioritise drill collars with greater precision and focus exploration on the most prospective REE-bearing zones.
Thorium equivalent concentration across the Myoff Creek project showing correlation of historic drill holes with radiometric survey.
Strategic Canadian location
Myoff Creek lies in southeastern British Columbia’s South Central Mining Region, which hosts major operations such as Teck Resources’ Highland Valley Copper Mine and Hudbay Minerals’ Copper Mountain Mine.
The project benefits from established infrastructure, with road access from the nearby township of Seymour Arm and full mining-service support available from the regional hub of Kamloops.
Broader growth platform
Alongside its Canadian exploration work, AuKing is advancing the closing of its “transformative” acquisition of the Cloncurry Gold Project in north-west Queensland, which includes the Lorena processing plant and cornerstone deposits at Mt Freda and Golden Mile. The company expects to complete the transaction in early November.
Read more: AuKing Mining nears completion of ‘transformative’ Cloncurry Gold Project deal
AuKing is focused on building a diversified portfolio across gold and critical minerals, combining near-term development assets with high-impact exploration upside in Australia and North America.