UK-based rare earths developer Pensana has announced promising results from trench and pit sampling at Sulima West in Angola, confirming a 6 ha, enriched laterite grading at 2% to 3% total rare earth oxides (TREO).
The analytical results, derived from three trenches and nine pits sampled late last year, revealed higher-grade zones in several areas. Trench two showed 2.3% TREO over 32 m, trench three with 2.3% TREO over 28 m, and trench four yielding 2.2% TREO over 54 m. Additionally, pits within the 6 ha area with greater than 3% soil anomalies were found to be mineralised with an average grade of 2.1% TREO.
Exploration manager Grant Hayward expressed excitement over the results, noting that the findings confirm their understanding of the grade and lateral extent of the Sulima West laterite. He mentioned that if the current metallurgical testwork on the Sulima West laterite indicates favorable beneficiation results, drilling will be conducted to further understand the full grade and depth extent of the laterite.
Hayward also highlighted the significance of using a portable X-ray fluorescence device, which eliminates delays in receiving analytical results, allowing for quicker progress in activities and enhancing their understanding of new deposits.
The Sulima West laterite is located 75 km north of Pensana’s Longonjo rare earths project, and the company is optimistic about the potential for processing this mineralisation at Longonjo. With the latest findings, Pensana is well-positioned to continue advancing their exploration efforts in Angola.
