White Cliff Minerals has generated numerous targets after completing detailed geophysical surveys looking for rare earth elements at its Yinnetharra lithium and rare earths project in the world-class Gascoyne province of WA. Multiple strong and discrete thorium anomalies have been found in association with faulting identified via magnetic surveys in a similar manner to the Yangabana deposit being developed by Hasting Technology Metals 85km to the north.
Thorium is an important element is rare earth ores, especially in the mineral monazite. Thorium anomalies have been important exploration targets in the Gascoyne and Ashburton regions of WA as pointers to rare earth element deposits. Thorium anomalies with coincident ironstone are viewed as pointers to rare earths bearing carbonatite mineralisation for example at the Yangibana and Yin deposits.
Yangibana is located 85km north of White Cliff’s Yinnetharra project. It is owned by Hastings Technology Metals and has a resource of 21.0 million tonnes at 1.17 per cent total rare earth oxides. The rare earths at Yangibana are mainly hosted in monazite-rich ironstones hence the importance of thorium anomalies. Southern Geoscience Consultants who are assisting White Cliff played an important part at Yangibana. Yin is owned by Dreadnaught Resources and has a resource of 14.36 million tonnes at 1.13 per cent total rare earth oxides.
White Cliff is currently waiting on the result of 100 rock chip samples taken at Yinnetharra in November. Previous results up to 780 parts per million total rare earth elements have been recorded by the company at the project.
White Cliff Minerals Technical Director, Ed Mead said: “The clarity of data we have received from the new 50 metre lined spaced magnetics and radiometrics survey is a game changer, and shows significant structural force has been directed at the project rocks over the course of time.”
The company says sampling at Yinnetharra so far has been driven by 400m magnetic and radiometric data, meaning the fresh thorium anomalies have not yet been targeted.
White Cliff will undertake early field inspection work in the first quarter of 2023 with its focus on various discrete and substantial thorium anomalies. The company said the interpretation of its latest data will feed into the program design to develop the best method to quickly assess and advance the Yinnetharra project.
Sitting in the world-class Gascoyne rare earths province and with thorium anomalies coming out their ears White Cliff could be one to watch in the rare earth elements exploration game this year.
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By Matt Birney
