Proactive: American Rare Earths readies for resource drilling for REEs at Halleck Creek, Wyoming
American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR, OTCQB:ARRNF) has plans to conduct new resource drilling next quarter at the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, with a raft of permits in the works for up to 31 drill holes covering 2,400 metres.
The company’s upcoming exploration plans signify a significant step forward for American Rare Earths as it progresses towards unlocking the vast potential of the Halleck Creek Project.
Key objectives
The program has several key objectives. First up it aims to define measured and indicated resources by focusing on identifying areas with the highest-grade rare earth deposits.
This information is crucial for meeting resource reporting requirements, especially as ARR migrates its corporate offices to the US and prepares to file reports using the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) S-K 1300 reporting standards.
Additionally, the drilling program will provide core material for detailed metallurgical testing, allowing for an improved understanding of mineralisation and the development of efficient extraction processes.
The core samples will also be used for geotechnical testing, providing essential data on rock and soil properties necessary for safe and efficient mining operations.
Preliminary baseline hydrological sampling and monitoring will be conducted to establish a comprehensive understanding of the project’s impact on water resources, ensuring environmentally responsible project development.
Verifying higher grades
Moreover, the drilling program will expand into surrounding claims to assess the presence of rare earth mineralisation and verify the higher-grade material observed in the geological model and surface geochemical samples.
Drilling activities will also generate additional feedstock material for R&D projects, supporting ongoing advancements in rare earth technologies.
ARR plans to commence drilling in the third quarter of 2023, with the program expected to extend into the fourth quarter, pending the issuance of exploration permits from the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality – Land Quality Division.
Meanwhile, ARR’s geologists are actively working to expand the regional geological knowledge and increase resource classification at Halleck Creek. Mapping and sampling activities are underway in the newly claimed County Line prospect area, followed by further exploration of claim holdings west of the current resource areas.
CEO and managing director Chris Gibbs said: “The outstanding results we achieved with the JORC resource of 1.43 billion tonnes at Halleck Creek provides the foundation to build what we think will be one of the most important rare earths projects in the United States or even the world.
“The 1.05 million tonnes of neodymium-praseodymium at Halleck Creek can unlock current boundaries of the electrification of the US economy.
“We at ARR are rolling up our sleeves to collect, evaluate and present the environmental, geological, mining, metallurgical, marketing and financial data needed to develop Halleck Creek while being stalwart stewards of the environment and trustworthy corporate citizens with the people of Wyoming.”
The company remains committed to responsible development and says it will provide further updates as the drilling program progresses.