Exploration and Progress Update for June 2012
Perth, June 12, 2012 AEST (ABN Newswire) - TUC Resources Ltd (
ASX:TUC) is pleased to provide an Exploration and Progress Update - 12 June 2012.
2012 Field Season; Significant Events to Date
- Field work has commenced in the wider Stromberg HREE district with extensive soil surveys and geological mapping currently underway at Scaramanga and Northern Skyfall. Assays pending.
- Positive discussions are being held with Traditional Aboriginal Landowners, through the Northern Land Council (NLC), with regards to access to HREE prospective tenements on Aboriginal Freehold Land surrounding the Stromberg prospect.
- A detailed airborne topographic survey (Light Distance and Ranging) has been completed over the Stromberg and Scaramanga Heavy Rare Earth (HREE) prospects. This work is critical for efficient drill programs and environmental and project studies.
- Planning of metallurgical and resource definition drilling at Stromberg moves towards completion. Initial 3D modelling has been completed.
- The latest metallurgical test work has given exciting results with Total Rare Earth recoveries up 10%, to 85% (see TUC ASX Announcement dated 1 May 2012). A number of tests continue towards further improving the efficiency of this process with the aim of developing a direct processing route to a competitively valued rare earth intermediate product. Assays pending.
- A reconnaissance geochemical sampling trip has been undertaken to TUC's new HREE target tenement at Hodgsons Downs. Assays pending.
- TUC is continuing with its strategy to attract a rare earth industry cornerstone investor.
STROMBERG, SCARAMANGA AND STROMBERG DISTRICT HREE's
Soil Geochemistry Survey and Geological Mapping
In addition to planned RC exploration drilling at Stromberg, TUC intends to carry out exploration drilling at Scaramanga and other HREE Prospects. To better focus drilling efforts, a systematic soil geochemistry survey is underway at Scaramanga to test radiometric anomalism and results from previous positive rock chip testing (Figure 2).
In addition to testing the Scaramanga prospect, the survey has also made a first pass test on the Northerly extensions of a significant radiometric anomaly and HREE prospective target in ELA27151 (Skyfall, Figure 2). Land Access to this tenement is being discussed with Traditional Owners through the NLC at present.
LiDAR Survey Completion
TUC has recently completed a LiDAR (Light Distance and Ranging) topographic survey over approximately 200km2 of the Stromberg and Scaramanga HREE area (Figure 3). This area is considered of great importance as a number of interpreted repetitions of HREE bearing rocks occur (Figure 2).
The new LiDAR topography is far more accurate than previous information and will aid substantially in the planning of proposed drilling, and improve the modelling of results. The survey will also be critical in project planning and environmental studies.
Stromberg 3D Interpretation and Drill Planning
Geological modelling of the Stromberg HREE Prospect has been completed and is being used to plan the next rounds of drilling.
Work currently planned for the Stromberg HREE Prospect includes diamond drilling for geo-metallurgical, purposes and RC drilling for exploration and resource definition work (Figures 4 and 5).
Improvement on Recent Metallurgical and Mineralogical Test Results
The latest metallurgical test work has given exciting results with Total Rare Earth recoveries up 10%, to 85% (see TUC ASX Announcement dated 1 May 2012). A number of tests continue towards further improving the efficiency of this process (reducing reagent consumption by testing variation in leach times, acid to mineralised material mixes, and acid leach temperature) with the aim of developing a direct processing route to a competitively valued rare earth intermediate product. In addition, test work has commenced towards precipitating a mixed rare earth intermediate/carbonate product. Results and assays remain pending for all test work.
HODGSON DOWNS PROJECT AREA
Hodgson Downs Project Area, EL29464
Increase in HREE Target Potential
TUC, after study of open file data, applied for ELA29464 on the basis of a review of HREE targeting criteria.
The area is characterised by similar geological, geophysical and geochemical elements to those found in the Stromberg HREE Prospect.
TUC have undertaken a brief reconnaissance visit to the tenement and collected some rock chip samples.
Assays pending. If successful, the area may substantially increase the area of prospective ground available to TUC for HREE exploration.
For the complete TUC Resources announcement including all Figures, please click the following link below:
http://media.abnnewswire.net/media/en/docs/ASX-TUC-592805.pdf
Contact
TUC Resources Limited
Ian Bamborough, Managing Director
T: +61-8-8947-0944
E: ibamborough@tucresources.com.au
WWW: www.tucresources.com.au/
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