Kavango Resources PLC (LSE:KAV, OTC:KVGOF) and Power Metal Resources PLC (AIM:POW) said they have identified 12 rare earth element (REE) drilling targets at their Ditau Camp joint venture project in southwestern Botswana.
A diamond drilling programme will test three of the highest priority targets, by drilling up to two holes in each. A diamond drill rig is now being mobilised to the first drill location with drilling expected to start within the next few weeks.
Apart from exploration by the project’s operator Kavango, no known REE or base metal exploration had previously been conducted in the Ditau area.
"It is imperative for the world to find new sources of rare-earth elements in secure and stable mining jurisdictions,” said Power Metal chief executive Paul Johnson.
“At Ditau, several years of preparatory work utilising modern remote sensing and various geophysical techniques have culminated in multiple high-priority exploration targets which we believe offer the potential for new discoveries of rare-earth element mineralisation within mining friendly Botswana.”
The drilling campaign will primarily target REE mineralisation, although the companies said there is also the potential for nickel, copper, and platinum group element (PGE) mineralisation.