AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) earlier this week released final results from a high-resolution airborne radiometric survey confirming potential extensions of carbonatite mineralisation at its Myoff Creek Niobium-Rare Earths Project in British Columbia, Canada.
The company said the survey results revealed that the mineralisation identified by historical drilling more than a decade ago extends beyond the known northern zone, with additional targets emerging across the central and southern areas of the project.
Managing director Paul Williams told Proactive that the new data “represents great news for the company”, confirming widespread rare earth and niobium potential across the tenement. He noted that the project had been quietly progressing in the background while the company continued to focus on its Cloncurry Gold Project in Queensland.
“The Cloncurry Gold Project remains our primary focus,” Williams said, “but we’ve been quietly chipping away at this rare earths project in eastern British Columbia.”
Williams said the recent findings strengthen AuKing Mining’s position in a growing North American market for critical minerals. He highlighted that there is “essential demand coming from the United States” for rare earths and that a recently signed $8.5 billion agreement between the U.S. and Australian governments further underscores that demand.
The company said it now plans to assess the data and prepare for additional fieldwork and a potential drilling program at Myoff Creek. However, due to seasonal conditions in the region, on-site activity is expected to commence in the new year.
Williams added that the survey results provide a “solid backdrop for further exploration” and create a clear path for developing the project’s resource potential.
The Myoff Creek project continues to expand AuKing Mining’s exposure to critical minerals alongside its established gold operations, positioning the company for future developments in both markets.
Proactive: AuKing Mining has confirmed potential new niobium and rare earths at the Myoff Creek Niobium-Rare Earths Project in Canada. Joining me with all the details is AuKing Mining’s managing director, Paul Williams. Paul, it’s great to see you again this week. How are you today?
Paul Williams: Isolated, yes — I’m back again with more news.
Proactive: More news indeed, and very positive news this morning. Yesterday you were discussing the Cloncurry Gold Project, but today all eyes are on Myoff Creek. What’s been intercepted there?
Paul Williams: It’s important to mention the Cloncurry Gold Project because that remains our primary focus. But we’ve been quietly chipping away at this rare earths project in eastern British Columbia, Canada. Myoff Creek, as you’ve said, has shown some promising signs. We recently conducted an airborne radiometric survey and have now published the final results.
The key takeaway is that historical drilling 10 to 15 years ago identified niobium and rare earths mineralisation in the northern part of the area. The new survey results show that this carbonatite mineralisation extends not only in the north but also across the southern and central parts of the portfolio — great news for us.
Proactive: You’ve mentioned that strong levels of interest in rare earths exploration across North America provide a solid backdrop for companies like AuKing. Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with Donald Trump this week and signed an $8.5 billion rare earths deal. Does that put Myoff Creek in the spotlight in your view?
Paul Williams: It really does. The bottom line is there’s strong demand from the United States for rare earths projects. The deal signed with our Prime Minister is another step in reinforcing that demand. There are also a lot of ASX-listed companies operating in North America with similar projects, and we’re another one that’s looking to gain some attention. It’s a great space to be in.
Proactive: You’re talking potential niobium and rare earths at Myoff Creek. What can current and potential investors expect in the coming weeks?
Paul Williams: We’ll now assess the results and look at developing additional on-site fieldwork and most likely a drilling program. However, the weather is becoming more difficult up there, so that work probably won’t start until the new year. The results provide us with a solid foundation for further exploration.
Proactive: Quite a bit keeping you busy, Paul, between Cloncurry, Myoff Creek, and other developments. We’ll catch up again soon.
Paul Williams: Thanks a lot.