American Rare Earths (ARR or the Company) has disclosed that the upcoming Halleck Creek drilling program, set to commence later this month, is intended to enhance and update the JORC resource estimates.
Exhibit 1. Image Credit: American Rare Earths
Halleck Creek was recently recognized in the Top Five rare earths projects in the world. There is potential to significantly increase the size, quality, and grade of this deposit. This new program is focused on adding value by targeting high grade zones. We are in the heart of the USA, the largest economy in the world that desperately needs these rare earth elements.
Donald Swartz, CEO, American Rare Earths
Donald Swartz adds, “With only 25% of the claims area explored and open at depth, we have an opportunity to build on the 1.43 billion tonne JORC Resource announced earlier this year. We are looking forward to executing this drill program and advancing Halleck Creek as the logical solution for the US Government to reduce dependency on Chinese rare earths.”
In mid-September 2023, the company is set to initiate a drilling program consisting of 23 holes in the Overton Mountain sub-area of the Halleck Creek REE Project. This program encompasses eight diamond core holes and 15 reverse circulation (RC) holes.
Among the diamond core holes, seven will reach a depth of 80 m (262 feet), while one will extend to a significant depth of 305 m (1000 feet). Additionally, all 15 RC holes will delve to a depth of 100 m (330 feet).
JORC Exploration Target
The exploration team has successfully concluded the summer field mapping and surface sampling program across the adjacent claims. Once finalized, the outcomes of this field reconnaissance program, along with a JORC compliant exploration target, will be made public.
The recent efforts have identified four specific sites within the County Line, Bluegrass, and Trail Creek claim areas, where drilling will be conducted to confirm the existence of rare earth mineralization and validate the presence of higher-grade materials.
September 2023 Drilling Campaign Detail
The core extracted from the seven shallow diamond holes, each extending to 80 m (262 feet), serves as a crucial data source for various investigations. Approximately 2 tons of drill core will be allocated for further metallurgical testing.
Additionally, this core will be employed in geotechnical and geomechanical assessments essential for pit design. Furthermore, the core program will contribute material for a comprehensive long-term enviro-engineering study, focusing on the weathering and decomposition characteristics of the ore.
It is worth noting that mineralization remains open at deeper levels. The deep core hole, reaching a depth of 305 m (1000 feet), is aimed at exploring the mineralization within the Red Mountain Pluton's depths. This deep hole will also supply supplementary data crucial for environmental, hydrological, and permitting studies.
The plan encompasses 15 RC holes, intended to furnish data for the precise delineation of measured resources at Overton Mountain. Additionally, the cuttings obtained will be channeled into further test work and research and development initiatives as deemed necessary.
The scheduling of drilling operations in the adjacent claim areas hinges on the acquisition of exploration permits.