AuKing Mining Ltd (ASX:AKN) has appointed Thompson Resources to carry out a minimum 5,500-metre reverse circulation and diamond drilling program at the Tundulu Rare Earths Project in Malawi, with work expected to begin in mid-May.
The agreement, signed between Thompson Resources and AuKing’s Malawi subsidiary Tundulu Rare Earths Ltd, covers 25 planned drill hole targets and includes capacity to significantly extend the program.
Tundulu Project, highlighting proposed drilling targets at Nathace Hill and Tundulu Hill.
Thompson Resources is a southern African drilling services contractor with experience on major rare earths projects in Malawi, including work at Lindian Resources’ Kangankunde rare earths project.
The contractor plans to mobilise an RC rig by mid-May, followed by a separate diamond drilling rig in early June.
AuKing has also engaged geological consultants with experience in Malawi carbonatites to assist with strategic planning and drill program design.
Drilling to test extensions and depth continuity
The drilling campaign will combine RC and diamond drilling to test extensions, structural controls and depth continuity of rare earth element mineralisation across Tundulu.
At Nathace Hill, priority holes will target southwest extensions and a southern corridor, including step-out, infill and twin holes designed to validate historical results and extend mineralisation along strike and at depth.
The program also includes RC pre-collar and diamond tail holes of about 300 metres, plus a deeper diamond hole of about 500 metres to test the vertical extent and core architecture of the system.
At Tundulu Hill, angled and vertical fence holes will test interpreted intrusive geometry and potential high-grade rare earth zones below historical rock chip and shallow drilling results, while scout RC drilling will assess satellite targets at Kamilala Hill.
Airborne survey data being finalised
AuKing has completed an initial drone-based airborne magnetics and LIDAR survey over a significant area of Tundulu, covering the 5-kilometre-diameter carbonatite intrusive complex.
The survey was designed to resolve sub-surface intrusive architecture and structural controls on rare earth mineralisation, supporting refined drill targeting across the alkaline-carbonatite system.
Processed results from the survey are expected to be released shortly.
All outstanding documents required for the transfer of exploration licence EL 0731/24 to its Malawi subsidiary had been lodged with the Malawi Mines and Minerals Regulatory Authority, with a final determination expected shortly.