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Pensana release first exploration results from Coola

Published by , Editorial Assistant
Global Mining Review,


Pensana has announced the results from the recently completed exploration programme on the Coola licence located 40 km north of Longonjo. Exploration activities have been focused on three highly prospective targets namely the Sulima West carbonatite, the Benge Novo alkaline complex and the Coola carbonatite. The results from Sulima West are considered to be a significant discovery and will be the main focus of exploration activities in 2023.

Highlights include:

  • Trench sampling at Sulima West carbonatite reported rare earth grades of up to 9.7% TREO, averaging 3.4% TREO over 68 m. Individual samples from other trenches reported grades between 3.4% and 5.2% TREO.
  • Pit sampling at Sulima West carbonatite reported rare earth grades of up to 5.2% TREO, averaging 4.3% TREO over 6 m.
  • Manganese grades in the laterite at Sulima West were reported from 1.5% to 18% MnO, averaging 12% MnO and are regarded as economically significant.
  • Geological mapping at Sulima West identified a prominent outcrop of supergene apatite occurring together with maghemite and monazite and the area has the potential to host significant phosphate resources. The style of mineralisation has similarities to the Mt Weld deposit currently being mined in Western Australia by Lynas Corporation.
  • Reconnaissance mapping of the Benga Novo intrusion, immediately to the north of Sulima west carbonatite, indicates a large almost 10 km alkaline intrusion largely covered by residual soils. Reconnaissance mapping indicates potential for bauxite deposits, ionic clay type REE deposits and direct application fertilizers.

Exploration Manager, Grant Hayward, commented:

“We are extremely excited with the trench and pit analytical results from Sulima West laterised carbonatite which have reported high rare earth grades over significant widths at surface. Together, with the presence of abundant apatite and manganese, we regard Sulima West as a significant discovery and it will be the main focus of our exploration activities in 2023.

The deeply weathered soils overlying the vast Benge Novo intrusion appear to have the potential for ionic clay hosted rare earth mineralisation in addition to bauxite deposits and potassic rock fertilizers. Geophysical surveys of all targets are scheduled for early 2023 and diamond drilling is scheduled to be initiated on the Sulima West and Coola targets by mid-2023.”

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/14112022/pensana-release-first-exploration-results-from-coola/

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