- Cobalt anomalies from detailed analyses of 3,710 archived
soil samples have been received which support kilometer-scale
cobalt anomalies in all target areas at Kunene
- Geochemical anomalies identified over Western Targets,
Okanihova lineament, Steilrand lineament and along portions of
interpreted DOF Extension
- Targets are spread out over 670 km2 and a
detailed airborne electromagnetic survey is planned to assist in
drill target prioritization
HALIFAX, March 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Namibia Rare Earths
Inc. ("Namibia Rare Earths" or the "Company") (TSXV: NRE) today
announced that it has received further positive results from
analyses of 3,710 archived soil samples on the Kunene Cobalt-Copper
Project in northern Namibia. These
results augment previously announced results over the western half
of the project area (company press release March 5, 2018) which supported kilometer-scale
cobalt anomalies identified from a historic regional geochemical
survey. These additional results support similar large-scale cobalt
anomalies in the eastern half of the project area. The project area
comprises a mixture of rugged and covered terrain and a detailed
combined electromagnetic ("EM") and magnetic airborne survey is
being planned to assist in drill target prioritization.
Namibia Rare Earths is conducting systematic exploration over an
area of 2,142 km2 west of the newly discovered
stratabound Co-Cu discovery of Celsius Resources at Opuwo (Figure
1). Three target areas for cobalt were defined on the Namibia Rare
Earths ground within a 670 km2 portion of the project
area, based on results from soil geochemical surveys by previous
workers exploring for copper in 2014 at a regional-scale sample
spacing of 1 kilometer (Company press release February 21, 2018). Samples from those surveys
were analysed by ICP, which is an acceptable analytical method for
cobalt. Subsequent, more detailed sampling along selected lines at
a spacing of 100 m utilized handheld
XRF data, which provided reliable data for copper and other metals
but was not reliable for cobalt. NRE is systematically re-analysing
this archived database of over 12,000 soil samples to obtain
reliable data on cobalt. The regional anomalies are being supported
by these repeat analyses of archived samples using ICP analytical
methods for cobalt.
Regional Cobalt Anomalies Confirmed in the Eastern
Half
New results show a number of discrete broad
anomalies (>30 ppm Co) of 0.5-1 kilometer extent on surveyed
lines south of the Okanihova lineament, and two lower level
anomalies (17-30 ppm Co) of 4–5 kilometers in length parallel to
the Steilrand lineament. Isolated low-level cobalt anomalies occur
along or proximal to, the interpreted Eastern Extension of the DOF
horizon which has been shown to be mineralized on the adjacent
ground being explored by Celsius Resources. Comparison of the
regional survey results at 1 kilometer spacing with the more
detailed results obtained by Namibia Rare Earths over the eastern
half of the project area are shown in Figure 2. As previously
announced, the Western Targets area anomalies extend over strike
lengths of up to 7 kilometers in basement rocks (high grade
metamorphic gneisses and amphibolites) proximal to thrust contacts
with younger sedimentary rocks, and for over 1-3 kilometers in
favourable sedimentary horizons (black shales and dolostones).
Basement-related anomalies (20-50 ppm Co) can be quite broad, up to
2 kilometers wide, and are related to large-scale alteration
systems. Cobalt anomalies are lower level (20-30 ppm) in
sedimentary horizons and more restricted which is consistent with
the exploration model developed for the stratabound Dolostone Ore
Formation ("DOF") Co-Cu targets which may be only 5-10 m in thickness and occur in black shales and
dolostone horizons.
Sample preparation and analyses were carried out by Activation
Laboratories Ltd. (Windhoek,
Namibia and Ancaster,
Ontario) employing appropriate ICP techniques and following
strict internal QAQC procedures inserting standards and
duplicates.
Recommended Airborne Electromagnetic
Survey
Mineralization at Kunene is widespread and
variable in style, occurring in discrete sedimentary horizons such
as the DOF where Co-Cu is associated with disseminations and
veinlets of sulphide minerals, orogenic copper, and stratabound
Zn-Pb mineralization. Many of the occurrences in the eastern half
are spatially related to what has been interpreted as a large
hydrothermal center termed the Steilrand hydrothermal system. Given
the frequent association of Co-Cu and Pb-Zn mineralization with
sulphides, the prolific number of cobalt anomalies, and kilometric
scale trends it has been recommended that a helicopter time domain
electromagnetic survey be flown at a flight line spacing of 200
meters across the entire belt covering the Western Targets, the
Steilrand lineament, the Okanihova lineament and the Steilrand
hydrothermal system.
The objectives of the airborne EM survey will be to refine
geological and structural mapping, to delineate conductive
sedimentary horizons, to isolate conductive bodies that may be
indicative of near surface mineral deposits, and to detect sulphide
deposits and stockworks at depth. The Company is currently
evaluating available EM systems and scheduling options. Field teams
continue to conduct geological mapping and rock sampling over the
anomalous areas.
The Kunene project area is contiguous with ground being actively
explored for cobalt by ASX-listed Celsius Resources (Figure 1). The
recognition of stratabound cobalt mineralization associated with
low grade copper and zinc mineralization in black shales in the
Kunene region by Gecko Exploration has formed the cornerstone of
Celsius Resources' current drilling program at Opuwo. Celsius is
undertaking a 15,000 m drilling
program to develop a JORC compliant mineral resource to support
their stated "Initial Exploration Target of between 33 and 41
million tonnes, grading approximately 0.13% - 0.17% cobalt and
0.45% - 0.65% copper" (Celsius press release dated May 18, 2017). It is noted that the
mineralization on the Celsius property may not be indicative of
mineralization that may be found on the Kunene project area held by
Namibia Rare Earths.
Donald M. Burton, P.Geo. and
President of Namibia Rare Earths Inc., is the Company's Qualified
Person and has reviewed and approved this press release.
About Namibia Rare Earths Inc.
Namibia Rare Earths Inc. is focused on the accelerated
development of the Lofdal Rare Earths Project and on building a
critical metals portfolio in Namibia. The common shares of Namibia Rare
Earths Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol
"NRE".
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services
Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX
Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this release.
The foregoing information may contain forward-looking
information relating to the future performance of Namibia Rare
Earths Inc. Forward-looking information, specifically, that
concerning future performance, is subject to certain risks and
uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. These
risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the
Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions.
SOURCE Namibia Rare Earths Inc.