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Highlights
- Drilling confirms high-grade niobium system at Green prospect.
- Notable grades include up to 116 meters at 1.7% Nb₂O₅ from RC drilling.
- Further assays and metallurgical testing underway to evaluate potential.
Encounter Resources (ASX:ENR) has revealed promising assay results from its Green prospect in Western Australia, highlighting the continuous and high-grade nature of niobium mineralisation within the broader system. This milestone strengthens the position of the Green prospect, which is part of the larger Aileron project.
The drilling campaign at Green involved four reverse circulation (RC) holes that unveiled substantial intercepts of niobium mineralisation. Among the highlights, one drill hole delivered 116 meters at 1.7% Nb₂O₅ from 52 meters, including higher-grade intervals of 28 meters at 3.3% Nb₂O₅ from 62 meters and 32 meters at 2.1% Nb₂O₅ from 95 meters. Another hole returned an impressive 81 meters at 1.5% Nb₂O₅ from 39 meters, with an interval of 43 meters grading 2.4% Nb₂O₅ from 43 meters.
Record-Setting Discovery
One drill hole, labeled EAL894, stands out with the highest “grade x thickness” intercept ever reported within the West Arunta province. These results underscore the exceptional quality of the mineralisation and the prospect’s potential to contribute significantly to the region's niobium production.
The Green prospect hosts a large mineralised carbonatite system, spanning over three kilometers in length. Aircore drilling has already identified multiple zones of shallow, high-grade niobium mineralisation, while RC drilling has further confirmed its depth and strike extent.
Further Exploration and Testing
In addition to the RC drilling campaign, Encounter Resources has drilled a diamond hole to facilitate metallurgical testing. This critical step aims to evaluate the recoverability and processing potential of the niobium mineralisation.
Future exploration activities are already underway, with assay results from an additional 30 drill holes expected in the coming months. The company remains committed to expanding its understanding of the Green prospect's potential.
Market Reaction
The market responded positively to these developments, with shares of Encounter Resources increasing by nearly 16% to 40 cents in trading following the announcement.
The latest results reaffirm the Green prospect’s significance as a key asset for Encounter Resources, offering substantial promise for the development of a high-grade niobium resource in the region. Further updates from the ongoing drilling campaign will provide deeper insights into the project’s scope and commercial potential.
