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RAREX LIMITED — Capital/Financing Update 2023
Apr 30, 2023
65681_rns_2023-04-30_84fdd3c2-3992-4f2a-9cb9-ab6207176700.pdf
Capital/Financing Update
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ASX Release 1 May 2023
Cummins Range Resource soars to 519Mt at 0.32% TREO, 4.6% P2O5 becoming Australia’s largest undeveloped rare earths deposit
Updated Resource adds a further 122Mt or 31% to the global Mineral Resource Estimate, resulting in 1.6Mt of contained TREO and 24Mt of P2O5
Highlights
-
Updated Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) for RareX’s 100%-owned Cummins Range Rare Earths and Phosphate Project in WA:
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519Mt at 0.32% TREO and 4.6% P2O5, for a total of 1.6 million tonnes of contained TREO and 24 million tonnes of contained P2O5 estimated by industry expert CSA Global
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760% increase in contained TREO and 1300% increase in P2O5 compared with the 2021 MRE
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High-value NdPr content represents an excellent 22% of total contained TREO with 360Kt of NdPr contained
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Large tonnages of higher-grade TREO with 52Mt at 1% TREO at a 0.6% cut-off grade
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Phos Dyke Mineral Resource adds 105Mt with an Indicated portion of 21Mt at 8% P2O5 and 0.36% TREO with very high 25% NdPr and 8% HREO
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Updated MRE positions Cummins Range as the largest undeveloped Australian rare earths project
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Attractive Basket Price of US$34.2/kg based on US$110/kg NdPr
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Phosphate characteristics are highly favourable for organic phosphate production with potential to also use in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries
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Updated Cummins Range Scoping Study underway
Australian rare earths and phosphate developer, RareX Limited (ASX: REE) ( RareX or the Company ), is pleased to report a further substantial increase in the Mineral Resource Estimate ( MRE ) for its 100%-owned Cummins Range Rare Earths-Phosphate Project in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The second instalment of the updated Cummins Range MRE (following the updated MRE reported on 30 March 2023) combines the Rare Dyke and Phos Dyke and contains an Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resource of 519Mt at 0.32% TREO (total rare earths oxide) and 4.6% P2O5 (phosphate) with appreciable quantities of niobium and scandium. The amount of contained TREO is 1.6Mt with 360Kt of contained NdPr oxide.
This MRE makes Cummins Range the second-largest rare earths deposit , and the largest undeveloped rare earths deposit , in Australia.
Within the large phosphate resource are significant tonnes of high-grade TREO including 52Mt at 1.02% TREO from a 0.6% cut-off. This accounts for one-third of the total contained TREO for the MRE and shows there are significant tonnages of high-grade rare earth veins within the phosphate Resource.
| RareX Limited | RareX HQ | P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASX:REE | Level 1, 338 Barker Road | @rarex_asx | ||
| ABN: 65 105 578 756 | Subiaco WA 6008 | [email protected] | ||
| Australia | rarex.com.au |
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Table 1. Cummins Range Mineral Resource Estimate, P2O5≥2.5%
| RARE DYKE Classification |
Tonnes (Mt) |
P2O5 (%) |
TREO + Y2O3 (ppm) |
HREO (ppm) |
Nd2O3 (ppm) |
Pr6O11 (ppm) |
Nb2O5 (ppm) |
Sc2O3 (ppm) |
ThU (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Indicated | 45.9 | 6.2 | 5700 | 290 | 910 | 270 | 1000 | 90 | 90 |
| Inferred | 368.9 | 4.0 | 3030 | 160 | 490 | 150 | 570 | 60 | 40 |
| Total | 414.8 | 4.2 | 3320 | 180 | 540 | 160 | 620 | 70 | 50 |
| PHOS DYKE Classification |
Tonnes (Mt) |
P2O5 (%) |
TREO + Y2O3 (ppm) |
HREO (ppm) |
Nd2O3 (ppm) |
Pr6O11 (ppm) |
Nb2O5 (ppm) |
Sc2O3 (ppm) |
ThU (ppm) |
| Indicated | 20.8 | 8.0 | 3580 | 300 | 720 | 190 | 470 | 80 | 100 |
| Inferred | 83.8 | 5.4 | 2340 | 200 | 470 | 120 | 450 | 60 | 60 |
| Total | 104.6 | 5.9 | 2590 | 220 | 520 | 140 | 450 | 70 | 70 |
| COMBINED Classification |
Tonnes (Mt) |
P2O5 (%) |
TREO + Y2O3 (ppm) |
HREO (ppm) |
Nd2O3 (ppm) |
Pr6O11 (ppm) |
Nb2O5 (ppm) |
Sc2O3 (ppm) |
ThU (ppm) |
| Indicated | 66.6 | 6.8 | 5010 | 290 | 850 | 250 | 830 | 90 | 90 |
| Inferred | 452.7 | 4.2 | 2900 | 170 | 490 | 140 | 550 | 60 | 40 |
| Total | 519.3 | 4.6 | 3170 | 190 | 540 | 160 | 580 | 70 | 50 |
Notes:
-
Due to effects of rounding, the total may not represent the sum of all components
-
TREO (ppm) includes: Light Rare Earth Oxides (LREO): La2O3, CeO2, Pr6O11, Nd2O3; and Heavy Rare Oxides (HREO): Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3, Tb4O7, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3; + Y2O3
-
ThU comprises ThO2 + U3O8 (ppm)
-
2O5
The relatively high NdPr and HREO (heavy rare earth oxide) content at Cummins Range is consistent with that of monazite dominant mineralisation, resulting in an attractive Basket Price of US$34.2/kg for the Project as shown below:
Table 2. Mineral Resource-Based Basket Price
| Element | Price US$/kg | % of TREO | Basket Price US$/Kg | % of Basket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LREO | ||||
| La2O3 | 1.1 | 24.1% | 0.3 | 0.8% |
| CeO2 | 1.1 | 45.5% | 0.5 | 1.5% |
| Pr6O11 | 110.0 | 4.9% | 5.4 | 15.8% |
| Nd2O3 | 110.0 | 16.9% | 18.6 | 54.3% |
| Sub-Total | 91.4% | 24.7 | 72.4% | |
| HREO | ||||
| Sm2O3 | 2.5 | 2.4% | 0.1 | 0.2% |
| Eu2O3 | 26.0 | 0.6% | 0.2 | 0.4% |
| Gd2O3 | 36.0 | 1.5% | 0.5 | 1.6% |
| Tb4O7 | 2,300.0 | 0.2% | 3.9 | 11.4% |
| Dy2O3 | 595.0 | 0.8% | 4.5 | 13.2% |
| Ho2O3 | - | 0.1% | - | 0.0% |
| Er2O3 | - | 0.2% | - | 0.0% |
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Element | Price US$/kg | % of TREO | Basket Price US$/Kg | % of Basket Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tm2O3 | - | 0.02% | - | 0.0% |
| Yb2O3 | - | 0.1% | - | 0.0% |
| Lu2O3 | - | 0.02% | - | 0.0% |
| Y2O3 | 10.0 | 2.7% | 0.3 | 0.8% |
| Sub-Total | 8.6% | 9.4 | 27.6% | |
| Total Basket Price | ||||
| US$/kg | 34.2 |
The addition of the Phos Dyke resource adds significant phosphate tonnages with an increase of 105Mt at an average grade of 6% P2O5 and 0.26% TREO. The TREO grade is lower than the Rare Dyke but has a higher NdPr content of 25% and higher HREO content of 8%. The updated Rare Dyke and Phos Dyke MRE includes 67Mt at 0.5% TREO and 7% P2O5 in the higher-confidence Indicated category, which is mostly contained in the upper 100m. Importantly, the concentration of the high value metals neodymium and praseodymium is 73kt.
A phosphate cut-off was chosen for the MRE as it better represents the geology and economic potential of the deposit in that it captures the phosphate and almost all of the rare earths.
Substantial quantities of phosphate will be mined to access rare earth mineral concentrations and RareX intends to extract value from both the phosphate and rare earths. In addition, the Company will investigate the value opportunities presented by the appreciable quantities of niobium and scandium present in the deposit.
While elements of the pre-feasibility study (PFS) are underway, the aspects impacted by this updated MRE have been re-scoped. It is anticipated that the re-scoped PFS will initially be able to be presented as an updated Scoping Study, setting the scene for all PFS work streams.
Overview
RareX is pleased to present an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ( MRE ) for its 100%-owned Cummins Range Rare Earths-Phosphate Project in Western Australia. The Rare Earths and Phosphate MRE is based on the Cummins Range Carbonatite Pipe at the Cummins Range Project, located 130km south-west of Halls Creek in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.
The 2km x 2km carbonatite pipe is entirely contained in tenement E80/5092, which also contains multiple geochemical and geophysical anomalies that have not been tested.
Since 2019, when founding Managing Director Jeremy Robinson started RareX, staged drilling campaigns have resulted in an increase in the geological understanding of the carbonatite system and a corresponding increase in the tonnages of contained TREO and P2O5.
The 2021 TREO resource estimate captured the regolith mineralisation on top of the Rare Dyke and parts of the Phos Dyke. Subsequent drilling has focused on extending the rare earths mineralisation into the fresh rock and increasing the tonnages of high-grade phosphate on the Phos Dyke at shallow depths.
Recent world events have put enormous strain on the world supply of phosphate, with the phosphate price increasing by 100% last year.
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
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Compared to other phosphate deposits in Australia and the world, Cummins Range has a significant advantage given its proximity to Wyndham Port on the northern Kimberley coast. The additional value of the phosphate will significantly enhance the economics of the Project considering the pervasive occurrence of the mineral apatite throughout the 2km x 2km pipe and the ease of processing.
The additional 20,000m of drilling completed in the last two years has resulted in a 760% increase in contained TREO compared with the 2021 MRE and an increase of 1,120% compared with the 2019 MRE.
The graph in Figure 1 below provides a comparison of the three resources RareX has completed. The rare earths and phosphate mineralisation is open in all directions, and is likely only constrained by the boundaries of the pipe.
Cummins Range Resource Growth
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760%
150%
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Figure 1. Contained Metal for the 2019, 2021 and 2023 Resources
Commenting on the finalised Mineral Resource estimate, RareX Chief Executive Officer, James Durrant, said:
“Our exploration efforts at Cummins Range have delivered us a terrific result, reflecting both a huge amount of work by Guy Moulang’s team and the vision of our Chairman, Jeremy Robinson. Cummins Range now stands out as a large and attractive source of both rare earths and phosphates, with the updated global Mineral Resource Estimate providing an incredible foundation to move the Project firmly into the development chapter.
“We are very excited to deliver this result for our shareholders, demonstrating that RareX has ownership of the largest undeveloped rare earths asset in Australia, with significant quantities of contained rare earth oxides and phosphate giving us exposure to two global mega-trends, being decarbonisation and the requirement to feed a rapidly growing global population. We look forward to unlocking the value of this asset for our shareholders.”
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
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Project Location
The Cummins Range Rare Earth Project is located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, south-west of the town of Halls Creek, as shown below.
Access to the Project from Halls Creek is via the Great Northern Highway and then the Tanami Road to Ruby Plains station. From there, access is along station tracks. Halls Creek also has a sealed airstrip and connects to the ports of Wyndham and Darwin via the Great Northern Highway.
On 12 May 2022, the Western Australian Government announced the decision to seal the Tanami Road. The Western Australian State Budget 2022/23 has allocated an additional $100 million, alongside the recently announced $400 million Federal allocation, to completely seal the Tanami Road in Western Australia.
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Figure 2. Map of Project Location and Key Project Infrastructure
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
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The decision to seal the Tanami Road will improve safety, accessibility and flood resilience to better support communities and industries in the north-east of Western Australia. Along with a new access road planned for development later in 2023, the Tanami upgrade will help RareX develop steady-state operations throughout the year, in particular, during the wet season.
Main Roads Western Australia has developed plans to seal the first 20km section south of the Great Northern Highway near Halls Creek in 2022. Detailed design, ground surveys and approvals are also planned or underway.
The infrastructure is ideally suited for bulk commodity transport and logistics with the Tanami Road upgrade meaning the whole supply chain will be on sealed roads. Wyndham Port is being upgraded and improved as a strategic port and the Ord River Hydro Power Station has reserve capacity for energy supply.
The Kimberley Port Authority has recently applied to the Commonwealth Government for Wyndham Port to be allocated as the port of first entry, setting the scene for a strategic upgrade of this important piece of infrastructure, which is already powered by hydro-electricity.
RareX is also collaborating with the agricultural industry in the region, with an MOU in place to develop a product roadmap with OrdCo, the distributors of fertilisers into the Ord River, and soon to be Carlton Plain, agricultural sectors. An MOU is also in place with Agrimin (ASX: AMN) to collaborate on product haulage, port handling and trans-shipment facilities.
Rare Dyke and Phos Dyke Resource
RareX engaged CSA Global, a member of the ERM group of companies, to estimate an updated Mineral Resource Estimate ( MRE ) for the Cummins Range carbonatite dykes. The MRE is reported in accordance with the JORC Code (2012) and is shown in full in Table 1.
CSA Global is satisfied that the techniques and methods used by RareX are consistent with industry standards as stipulated by the JORC Code (2012). The quality assurance and quality control (QA / QC) supports the data that RareX has provided.
The MRE is considered to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction on the following basis:
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the resource is situated in a favourable mining jurisdiction, with no known impediments to land access or tenure status;
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the volume, orientation and grade of the Mineral Resource is amenable to mining extraction via bulk tonnage open pit or underground mining methods;
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preliminary metallurgical test work shows extraction and concentration of rare earths and phosphate can be achieved using traditional processing techniques; and
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a Scoping Study was completed in September 2022 (ASX release: 12 September 2022), which outlines an open cut mine and flotation beneficiation facility at site producing a rare earth mineral concentrate and a phosphate mineral concentrate, which can be hauled along mainly sealed roads to Wyndham Port. The Scoping Study further demonstrated potential for economic extraction.
The phosphate Mineral Resource was estimated using ordinary kriging interpolation techniques and reported at a 2.5% P2O5 cut-off grade
The Rare Dyke and Phos Dyke MRE is estimated over 800m of north-west – south-east strike, 500m of width, and 500m down-dip.
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx
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The MRE has been split in two, due to spatial and mineralogical differences. Each of the Dykes has been reported as a regolith resource and a fresh rock resource, along with Mineral Resource confidence levels (Indicated or Inferred).
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Grade Tonnage Curve - Summary
Tonnes Tonnes P2O5 %
500,000,000 35
450,000,000
30
400,000,000
350,000,000 25
300,000,000
20
250,000,000
15
200,000,000
150,000,000 10
100,000,000
5
50,000,000
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
Cutoff P2O5 %
----- End of picture text -----
Figure 3. Resource Grade Tonnage Curve for Phosphate
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----- Start of picture text -----
Grade Tonnage Curve - Summary
Tonnes
Tonnes TREO ppm
600,000,000 45,000
40,000
500,000,000
35,000
400,000,000 30,000
25,000
300,000,000
20,000
200,000,000 15,000
10,000
100,000,000
5,000
- -
- 5,000 10,000 15,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 35,000
Cutoff TREO ppm
----- End of picture text -----
Figure 4. Resource Grade Tonnage Curve for TREO
P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 [email protected] rarex.com.au
RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ Level 1, 338 Barker Road Subiaco WA 6008 Australia
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Figure 5. 3D image of Cummins Range Mineral Resource
Geology Model
The Cummins Range pipe is a phosphorous-rare earth rich system with phosphorous and rare earths mineralisation found in variable quantities over the entire pipe. Drilling in the north-western portion of the pipe is the focus of this MRE.
The Cummins Range deposit is centred around two sub-parallel carbonatite dykes (Rare Dyke and Phos Dyke) that strike at 320 degrees and dip at 60 degrees to the south-west. The Rare Dyke and the Phos Dyke have intruded into the clinopyroxenite forming large apatite rich carbonatised alteration holes.
Within the carbonatites and wall rock alteration zones are monazite-bastnaesite-parisite rich veins that reach up to >20m wide. These phosphorous and rare earth rich rocks are present to significant depths with intersections drilled 600m below surface. The pyroxenites, carbonatites and alteration zones contain consistent disseminated to massive apatite and variable rare earths.
Sitting on top of the larger dyke (Rare Dyke) is a well-developed weathering profile hosting high grade rare earths, phosphate, scandium, and niobium mineralisation. The weathering profile can extend to greater than 100m depth. A combination of residual, or eluvial, chemical weathering and primary mineralisation has contributed to the strong enrichment of rare earths and phosphate.
A majority of the rare earths mineralisation in the regolith is contained in monazite with the remainder contained in bastnaesite and crandallite. Weathering processes have created an increase of monazite and apatite concentrations with portions of the regolith phosphate having potential for direct shipping ore ( DSO ).
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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Large volumes of apatite rich phoscorite surround the Phos Dyke with consistent low grade rare earths in the form of monazite. Many of the 2022 drill holes bottomed in phoscorite and the extent of this rock type is open to the north, east and south.
The geological model was simplified to three geological units:
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Regolith – combination of all the domains in the regolith profile with the base of the weakly weathered oxidation boundary marking the lower boundary.
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Ultramafic/pyroxenite – undifferentiated ultramafics, including altered ultramafics and phoscorite.
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Carbonatite – dolomitic and calcic carbonatite.
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Figure 6. Cross section of Cummins Range
Drilling Techniques
The drilling data base provided for the MRE was composed of data collected from three exploration companies, Navigator Resources Ltd, Kimberley Rare Earths Ltd and RareX Ltd. Table 3 below summarises the drilling completed on Cummins Range:
Table 3. Drill Holes used in the Cummins Range 2023 MRE
| Company | **Hole Type ** | No of Holes | Metres | Average Depth(m) | Year Drilled |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator | RC | 93 | 9,293 | 100 | 2007 |
| Kimberley Rare Earths |
RC | 77 | 4,229 | 55 | 2011 |
| RareX | RC | 111 | 13,113 | 118 | 2020-2022 |
| DDH | 13 | 2,807 | 216 | 2021-2022 | |
| RC/DDH | 28 | 11,533 | 412 | 2021-2022 | |
| MRE Total | 322 | 40,975 |
Navigator and Kimberley Rare Earths drilled RC holes contributing 33% of the drilled metres in the MRE. The remaining 67% was drilled by RareX using RC and diamond drilling methods. RareX used a combination of RC and diamond drilling for 28 of the drill holes.
| RareX Limited | RareX HQ | P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASX:REE | Level 1, 338 Barker Road | @rarex_asx | ||
| ABN: 65 105 578 756 | Subiaco WA 6008 | [email protected] | ||
| Australia | rarex.com.au |
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Sampling
Navigator Sampling
-
Bulk samples were collected in green plastic bags, along with a 9:1 split from the cyclone.
-
4m composites were taken during the time of drilling using a PVC spear for dry samples and an aluminium scoop for wet samples.
-
All composites that returned >1000ppm Ce were resampled on 1m intervals before commencement of the 2007 wet season. The 1m intervals were bagged from the drill rig 9:1 cone split.
Kimberley RC Sampling
- No details on RC sampling have been recorded for the 77 drill holes completed by Kimberley. All drilled metres were sampled on 1m intervals, and it is assumed Kimberley used industry standards, which is sampling the 1m split from the cyclone on the drill rig.
RareX RC Sampling
-
For the 2020-2021 drill seasons the bulk sample was collected in green plastic bags and no split was taken. The cyclone was cleaned after every 3m drill run and where sticky clays were intersected, the driller would lift the hammer off the bottom and clean the cyclone after each metre. Wet samples were left open for water to evaporate.
-
Sampling intervals were determined by geology with the aid of a Niton pXRF. Sample intervals ranged from 4m, 3m, and 2m composites in areas of no expected rare earths mineralisation. Mineralised zones were sampled on 1m intervals.
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The bulk bags were put through a 50/50 or 75/25 riffle splitter multiple times to achieve the desired 3kg sample. The splitter was cleaned between each sample and bulk samples were not put through the splitter until dry to avoid cross contamination.
-
In the 2022 drill season instead of splinting the entire bulk bags as done in previous years, the cone split from the drill rig cyclone was used which is 5% to 8% of the metre drilled.
Sampling Analytical Methods and QA/QC
The analytical method used to assay has remained consistent through all the drilling used in the MRE with a peroxide fusion digest, with an ICP-OES and ICP-MS finish. 4-acid digest was used by navigator as a qualifier and is described below. Table 4 summaries the assay details for all the holes.
Table 4. Assay methods and laboratory for drill holes
| Company | Holes | Sample Type | Laboratory | Analysis Method for REE, P, Sc, Nb |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Navigator | NRC001-NRC093 | 4m Composites | Intertek | 4 acid digest, ICP-OES and ICP-MS finish |
| Navigator | NRC001-NRC093 | 1m Samples | Intertek | Peroxide Fusion Digest, ICP- OES and ICP-MS finish |
| Kimberley | KRC094-KRC170 | 1m Samples | Intertek | Peroxide Fusion Digest, ICP- OES and ICP-MS finish |
| RareX | CRX0001-CRX0104 CDX0001-CDX0050 |
1-4m Samples | Nagrom | Peroxide Fusion Digest, ICP- OES and ICP-MS finish |
| RareX Limited | RareX HQ | P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASX:REE | Level 1, 338 Barker Road | @rarex_asx | ||
| ABN: 65 105 578 756 | Subiaco WA 6008 | [email protected] | ||
| Australia | rarex.com.au |
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Navigator assayed for 40 elements: Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Ce, Cr, Cu, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ho, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Nb, Nd, P, Pb, Pr, Sc, Si, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V, Y, Yb, Zn, Zr. Laboratory QA/QC makes up 10% of the assays.
Kimberley Rare Earths assayed for 30 elements: Al, Ca, Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Mg, Nb, Nd, P, Pr, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U V, Y, Yb, Zr. Laboratory QA/QC was conducted and assessed during previous resource estimates. However, RareX have not been able to obtain the raw data.
RareX has assayed for 42 elements: Ba, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Nb, Nd, Pr, P, S, Si, Zr, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb, Th, Tm, U, W, Y, Tb, Hf, Al, C, K, Ag, As, Be, Na, S, Sr, Zn, Li and Pb. RareX used standards, duplicates and blanks comprising 10% of the samples in RC assay batches and 6% in the diamond assay batches.
A batch of 178 pulps from all three of the RareX drill programs were sent to an alternate laboratory to be assay via Peroxide Fusion with ICP-OES and ICP-MS finish as umpire checks. The elements assayed were P, Sc, Zr, Ce, Ho, Sm, Y, Dy, Tb, Nb, Gd, Tm, Pr, La, Ta, Yb, Er, Lu, Eu, Th, Nd, Hf and U. The umpire checks confirmed the accuracy of the analytical batches from 2020-2022.
The competent person is of the opinion that the quality of control procedures adopted by Navigator, Kimberley Rare Earths, RareX and both the laboratories are of sufficient quality for an Inferred and Indicated mineral resource estimate.
Specific Gravity
During the 2021 and 2022 drill programs, RareX exploration team completed regular SG measurements using the Archimedes Method. A total of 787 SGs were taken on numerous rock types in the regolith and fresh rock. Each SG sample was geologically logged and SGs were then divided into the geological domains and averaged. Table 5 below summarises the SG values applied in the mineral resource estimate.
Table 5. SG values applied to geological domains
| Ultramafic | Carbonatite | Regolith Cover |
Regolith Pan |
Regolith CW |
Regolith SW |
Regolith MW |
Regolith WW |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.13 | 2.98 | 2 | 2.5 | 2.2 | 2.4 | 2.6 | 2.8 |
CW = Completely Weathered, SW = Strongly Weathered, MW = Moderately Weathered, WW = Weakly weathered
Cut off Grade
A cut off grade of 2.5% P2O5 was used in the Mineral Resource estimate. Due to the size of the Mineral Resource and the potential for a very long mine life, a 2.5% cut is considered appropriate. Other deposits of comparable size and grade in the world have use similar cuts.
The apatite at Cummins Range lends itself to form high quality rock phosphate. Being an igneous phosphate deposit the resource contains very low levels of potentially toxic elements allowing upgrading. The coarseness of the apatite and simple mineralogy should also assist concentration.
Metallurgy
Beneficiation testwork to date has been focused on both rare earth and phosphate concentration and samples from different dykes and zones were tested.
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
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The majority of 2021 and 2022 testwork was targeted at achieving a TREO grade between 10% and 20%, with acceptable recovery. This was achieved and exceeded; and the results were used to support the 2022 scoping study[1] . The September 2022 scoping study outlines a 15% TREO monazite concentrate from metallurgical testing. Since September 2022, metallurgical programs in Australia and overseas have been focused on refining the process and results are expected in coming months.
Phosphate optimised beneficiation as a strong alternative to rare earth focused beneficiation is also being explored. Phosphate flotation tests on weathered and fresh rock material from the Phos Dyke have produced concentrate grades of >39% P2O5 with >80% recovery[2] . Although the phosphate flotation of the Phos Dyke materials were not focused on rare earths concentration, the results showed similar TREO recovery trend to P2O5 with recoveries >60%. Phosphate flotation on the Rare Dyke material is currently in progress with results expected in coming months.
Bioavailability tests of phosphate samples are up to 4 folds the industry high bioavailability standard indicating the potential to produce direct shipping ore and phosphate mineral concentrate[3] .
Refining testwork carried out on the Rare Dyke material showed good amenability to conventional methods which demonstrated good rare earth extraction and impurity removal.
Estimation methodology
A block model constrained by the interpreted geological envelopes was constructed with a parent cell size of 12.5m (E) by 12.5m (N) by 5m (RL) adopted, with each cell dimension subdivided by a factor of 4 to achieve sub-celling to maintain the resolution of the geological domains. Samples composited to 1m length were used to interpolate oxide grades including rare earth oxide, P2O5, and Sc2O3 into the block model using ordinary kriging interpolation techniques. A search ellipse of 300m (X) by 300m (Y) by 70m (Z) was used to select samples for grade interpolation for P2O5, and 250m (X) by 150m (Y) by 50m (Z) for the rare earth oxides, within the strongly weathered zone, which hosts the highest grade P2O5 and TREO population in the MRE. A minimum of 8 and maximum of 22 samples were used per block estimate. Block grades were validated both visually and statistically. All modelling was completed using Datamine software.
The following density values were assigned to each geological domain, with the mineralisation bearing domains assigned the following density values; cover (2.0t/m[3] ), pan (2.5t/m[3] ), completely weathered (2.2t/m[3] ), strongly weathered (2.4t/m[3] ), moderately weathered (2.6t/m[3] ), weakly weathered (2.8t/m[3] ), pyroxenite (3.13t/m[3] ) and carbonatite (2.98t/m[3] ). Results were derived from Archimedes method test work using diamond core billets.
Mineral Resource Classification
The Mineral Resource is classified as a combination of Indicated and Inferred, with the Mineral Resource reported in accordance with the JORC Code, with geological and sampling evidence sufficient to assume geological and grade continuity within the volumes classified as Indicated. The classification levels are based upon an assessment of geological understanding of the deposit, geological and grade continuity, drillhole spacing, quality control results, search and interpolation parameters, and an analysis of available density
1 ASX release 12 September 2022; Positive Scoping Study for Cummins Range Shows Potential for Sustainable, Long-Life Rare Earths Project.
2 ASX release 04 October 2022; Metallurgical Testwork Delivers Premium Phosphate Concentrate from Cummins Range.
3 ASX release 23 March 2023; Phosphate Testwork Confirms Potential to Produce Direct-Application Fertilisers from DSO and Concentrate at Cummins Range.
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
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information. The Indicated volumes cover the volumes with 25m x 25m drill spacing, and Inferred covers volumes with up to 100m by 100m drill spacing.
Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extraction
The Cummins Range MRE is expected to have reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction ( RPEEE ) on the following basis:
-
the resource is situated in a favourable mining jurisdiction, with no known impediments to land access or tenure status;
-
the volume, orientation and grade of the resource is amenable to mining extraction via open pit or underground mining methods;
-
preliminary metallurgical test work shows extraction and concentration of rare earths and phosphate can be achieved with traditional processing techniques; and
-
a Scoping Study was completed in September, 2022 (ASX release: 12 September 2022), which outlines an open cut mine and flotation beneficiation facility at site producing a rare earth mineral concentrate and a phosphate mineral concentrate, which can be hauled along mainly sealed roads to Wyndham Port. The Scoping Study further demonstrated potential for economic extraction.
Potential To Grow Resource
The Cummins Range pipe is a phosphorous rare earths rich system with most drilled metres containing phosphate and rare earths mineralisation. The pipe extends over an area of 2km x 2km and the MRE is positioned in the western portion of the tenement and covers 40% of the pipe. The remainder of the pipe has sparse drilling with most holes containing phosphate and rare earths.
In the below Figure 7, the MRE is shown on the carbonatite pipe. The labelled drill holes are the RC holes that will not be included in the MRE. There are only 15 RC drill holes with a maximum depth of 49m. All of these holes except one have significant phosphate and rare earths mineralisation and intercepts are shown in Table 6.
The nearest five RC drill holes (KRC134-KRC138) to the Phos Dyke mineralisation are 300m to the east. The holes range from 40m to 49m deep and all finished in strong mineralisation.
P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 [email protected] rarex.com.au
RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ Level 1, 338 Barker Road Subiaco WA 6008 Australia
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Figure 7. Cummins Range Pipe Plan
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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Table 6. Significant Intercepts for Historical Kimberley Rare Earth Drill Holes (2.5% P2O5 Cut. TREO = Lanthanide oxides + Scandium Oxide + Yttrium Oxide)
| HoleID | Easting | Northing | mRL | Dip | Azimuth | Depth (m) |
From (m) |
To(m) | Interval (m) |
TREO % |
P2O5 % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KRC134 | 7866671 | 307931 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 40 | 5 | 40 | 35 | 0.16 | 4 |
| KRC135 | 7866710 | 307931 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 40 | 5 | 40 | 35 | 0.19 | 5 |
| KRC136 | 7866750 | 307932 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 49 | 10 | 49 | 39 | 0.21 | 7 |
| Incl. | 19 | 35 | 16 | 0.27 | 10 | ||||||
| KRC137 | 7866791 | 307930 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 43 | 15 | 43 | 28 | 0.17 | 5 |
| KRC138 | 7866831 | 307930 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 40 | 12 | 40 | 28 | 0.22 | 4 |
| KRC139 | 7866111 | 307931 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 40 | 8 | 40 | 32 | 0.16 | 4 |
| KRC140 | 7866151 | 307931 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 34 | 26 | 34 | 8 | 0.9 | 3 |
| KRC141 | 7866351 | 308231 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 40 | 14 | 40 | 26 | 0.13 | 4 |
| KRC142 | 7866391 | 308232 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 34 | No Significant Intercept | ||||
| KRC143 | 7866432 | 308232 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 31 | 15 | 25 | 10 | 0.15 | 3 |
| KRC144 | 7866470 | 308233 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 37 | 23 | 37 | 14 | 0.5 | 3 |
| Incl. | 25 | 27 | 2 | 2.6 | 4 | ||||||
| KRC154 | 7866675 | 308131 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 37 | 17 | 37 | 20 | 0.11 | 4 |
| KRC155 | 7866754 | 308129 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 37 | 15 | 37 | 22 | 0.16 | 5 |
| KRC156 | 7866393 | 307931 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 40 | 7 | 39 | 32 | 0.14 | 4 |
| KRC157 | 7866433 | 307930 | 391 | -60 | 180 | 43 | 6 | 43 | 37 | 0.2 | 4 |
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of RareX Limited.
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 Level 1, 338 Barker Road Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
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Competent Person’s Statements
The information in this report that relates to Mineral Resources is based on, and fairly reflects, information compiled by Mr David Williams and Mr Guy Moulang. Mr. David Williams is a full-time employee of CSA Global and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr Guy Moulang is a full-time employee of RareX Limited and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists. Mr David Williams and Mr Guy Moulang have sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which they are undertaking to qualify as Competent Persons as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code). Mr David Williams and Mr Guy Moulang consent to the disclosure of the information in this report in the form and context in which it appears. Mr Guy Moulang assumes responsibility for matters related to Sections 1 and 2 of JORC Table 1, while Mr David Williams assumes responsibility for matters related to Section 3 of JORC Table 1.
The information in this report that related to Exploration Results is based on, and fairly reflects, information reviewed and compiled by Mr Guy Moulang. Mr Guy Moulang is a full-time employee of RareX Limited and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for the Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code). Mr Guy Moulang consents to the disclosure of the information in this report in the form and context in which it appears.
About RareX Limited – ASX: REE
RareX Limited (ASX: REE) is a Perth-based rare earths and phosphate project development company. RareX’s focus is on developing its flag-ship Cummins Range Rare Earths and Phosphate Project.
Rare Earths and in particular, NdPr are core enablers of decarbonisation and electrification of our society. NdPr supports high strength magnets which enables low carbon technologies, especially in the electric mobility sector, robotics solutions and renewable energy, particularly the wind energy sector.
Phosphates are one of the three macro nutrients required in fertilisers. Fertilisers are in ever more demand due to population growth, depleting soils and reduced arable land requiring ever more intensive farming.
The Cummins Range Rare Earths and Phosphate Project is in the East Kimberley region of Western Australia. RareX is committed to developing a sustainable, ethical, transparent and secure low carbon rare earth and phosphate supply chain solution for its products which satisfy the two global mega-trends of population growth and electrification.
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 Level 1, 338 Barker Road Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx
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Appendix A JORC Code, 2012 Edition – Table 1
Section 1: Sampling Techniques and Data
| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Sampling techniques |
• Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. • Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. • Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. • In cases where ‘industry standard’ work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. ‘reverse circulation drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay’). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information. |
• Drilling history includes: • CRA Explora�on (1978), Diamond drilling (DD) 2,400 m, plus 2,341m aircore (AC) and 302 m Rotary air blast (RAB). DD data was retained for geological modelling but assays not used for MRE. • Navigator Resources (2007), 148 AC holes (4510 m), 93 reverse circula�on holes (RC) (9293 m). Holes drilled 60° towards south, 40 m spacing, • Kimberley Rare Earths (2012), 77 RC holes (4229 m) • RareX Limited (2020), 58 RC holes (6,146 m) • RareX (2021), 22 RC (1,440 m), 19 DD (3,830 m). Holes drilled towards 050° or 230°, orthogonal to the strike of the carbona�te pipe. • RareX (2022), 31 RC (3,943 m), 20 DD (10,473 m) • Navigator Drilling NRC001-NRC0093 (drilled in 2007); 4 m composite spear samples were taken and assayed. Assay intervals that returned results <1000ppm Ce were then resampled. The 10% cone splits from the drill rig were then used for the 1m re-assays. • Kimberly Rare Earths (KRE) Drilling KRC094-KRC0170 (2012) – All drill meters were assayed on 1 m intervals using a 10% cone split from the drill rig. • For RareX drilling: oCRX0001-CRX0070 – en�re Bulk samples were split down into 1-4 m composites using a 50/50 or 75/25 rife spliter. oCRX0071-CRX0104 – 7% cone split from the drill rig was used for 1-4 m composites. Composite samples were combined using a 50/50 rife spliter. oCDX0001-CDX0050 - Diamond drill sizes used are PQ, HQ and NQ2. PQ drill core was quarter cored and HQ, NQ2 were half cored. Samples ranged from 0.3 m to 1.3 m. oThe same por�on of drill core was always sampled rela�ve to the orienta�on line or cut line. |
P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx [email protected] rarex.com.au
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ Level 1, 338 Barker Road Subiaco WA 6008 Australia
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
oAll RareX, Kimberley Rare Earth and rare earth mineralised samples from Navigator were taken using the cone spliter on the drill rig or a rife spliter. oMineralisa�on in the regolith was established using a Pxrf. oFresh rock mineralisa�on is coarse and easily iden�fable |
||
| Drilling techniques |
• Drill type (e.g. core, reverse circulation, open- hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face- sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). |
• Drilling techniques used are reverse circula�on (RC) drilling, and diamond drilling using PQ, HQ, and NQ2 diameter core sizes. • AC and RAB holes were not used to support the Mineral Resource model. |
| Drill sample recovery |
• Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. • Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. • Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. |
• The 2007-2012 samples (Navigator Resources and Kimberley Rare Earths Ltd) were collected as both 4m composites for ini�al assaying and 1m samples for follow up assaying of anomalous zones. Most holes had good sample recovery although a limited number of holes encountered high ground water infow and karst type weathering in void forma�ons at depth exceeding 40m. Difcult drilling condi�ons including binding clays, voids and water fow in several holes. • The 2020 infll drill program (RareX) involved drilling between historic drillholes to test con�nuity of grade. The program used a larger and more capable rig which resulted in good recoveries in most of the drilling with an averaged of greater than 90% sample recovery. • The cyclone was cleaned a�er every 3m drill run and where s�cky clays were intersected, the driller would li� the hammer of the botom and clean the cyclone a�er each metre. Wet samples were le� open for water to evaporate. • All diamond drilling of PQ and HQ in the regolith was drilled with triple tube to increase recovery. • There is no rela�onship between RC or diamond drilling recovery and grade. |
| Logging | • Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. • Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography. • The total length andpercentage of the relevant |
• All but three drill holes (NRC090-NRC093 for a total of 300 m) have had a geological log completed. • RareX geological logging was aided using geochemical analysis from a portable XRF. Geological logging includes weathering, regolith and protolith iden�fca�on, mineral percentages, altera�on, colour and texture. |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| intersections logged. | • RareX RC drilling has pXRF, magne�c suscep�bility and recovery logs. • Diamond drill core drilled by RareX has geotechnical, structural, pXRF, recovery, photography and magne�c suscep�bility logs. • All diamond drill metres have had geotechnical assessment by RareX staf. Rock strength, RQD, and rock hardness were measured and allocated numerical values that will be easily interrogated. • All of the above logs are quan�ta�ve with the excep�on of geological logs in the regolith which can be qualita�ve. • The detail of logging is considered by the Competent Person to be appropriate for Mineral Resource es�ma�on. |
|
| Sub- sampling techniques and sample preparation |
• If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken. • If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry. • For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. • Quality control procedures adopted for all sub- sampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. • Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. • Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. |
• Competent drill core was either halved (HQ, NQ2) or quartered (PQ) using an Almonte core saw. Incompetent drill core was divided using a bolster. • Navigator Drilling NRC001-NRC0093 – 4 m composite spear samples were taken using a PVC spear. Assay intervals that returned results <1000 ppm Ce were then resampled. The 10% cone splits from the drill rig were then used for the 1m re-assays. • Kimberly Rare Earths (KRE) Drilling KRC094-KRC0170 - Drill metres were assayed on 1m intervals using a 10% cone split from the drill rig. • RareX Sampling: oCRX0001-CRX0070 – en�re Bulk samples were split down into 1-4 m composites using a 50/50 or 75/25 rife spliter. All samples were dry before spli�ng. oCRX0071-CRX0104 – 7% cone split from the drill rig was used for 1-4 m composites. Composite samples were combined using a rife spliter. Wet samples were sampled as 1 m samples to avoid use of a spliter. oAll the above men�oned techniques are industry standard prac�ce or beter. oField duplicates were taken at an average of 1 in the RC drilling. oSample sizes are regarded as being appropriate for this style of mineralisa�on. oThe Competent Person considers the sampling techniques were appropriate for the style of mineralisa�on. |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Quality of assay data and laboratory tests |
• The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. • For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. • Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. |
• Navigator – 4 m composites were taken at the drill rig and sent to Intertek where a 4-acid digest, with ICP-OES and ICP-MS fnish. Where 4m composites returned cerium assays >1000ppm, 1m re-assays were conducted on each of the metres in the composites. The 1 m re-assays were a peroxided fusion digest with ICP-OES and ICP-MS fnish. This technique is considered as a total analysis for elements in considera�on for this resource. 40 elements were assayed for. Laboratory QA/QC was completed with regular standards, blanks and repeats. • Kimberley Rare Earths used Intertek for the 1m assays using peroxided fusion digest with ICP-OES and ICP-MS fnish. This technique is considered as a total analysis for elements in considera�on for this resource. 30 elements were assayed for. Laboratory QA/QC was completed with regular standards, blanks and repeats. • RareX have used Nagrom for all assaying, using peroxided fusion digest with ICP-OES and ICP-MS fnish. This technique is considered as a total analysis for elements in considera�on for this resource. 34 elements were assayed for. For drill holes CRX0001-CRX0070 and CDX0002-CDX0019 a four-acid digest with an ICP-OES and ICP-MS fnish was used for 13 indicator elements. Nagrom applied their own QA/QC with regular standards, blanks and repeats. RareX also applied regular standards, duplicates and blanks comprising 10% of the samples in RC assay batches and 6% in the diamond assay batches. • The quality of control procedures adopted by both the laboratories are in line with industry standards and acceptable levels of accuracy and precision have been established throughout the genera�ons of assaying. • RareX’s quality of control procedures are in line with industry standards and acceptable levels of accuracy and precision have been established from assay batches. |
| Verification of sampling and assaying |
• The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. • The use of twinned holes. • Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. • Discuss any adjustment to assay data. |
• Verifca�on of assays by alterna�ve company personnel has occurred and checks, including a site visit, have been completed by CSA Global. • All assay results are reported to RareX in parts per million (ppm). RareX geological staf then convert the parts per million to ppm oxides using the below element to stoichiometric oxide conversion factors. La2O31.1728, CeO21.2284, Pr6O111.2082, Nd2O31.1664,Sm2O31.1596,Eu2O31.1579,Gd2O31.1526,Dy2O3 |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| 1.1477, Ho2O31.1455, Er2O31.1435, Tm2O31.1421, Yb2O31.1387, Lu2O31.1371, Sc2O31.5338, Y2O31.2699, Nb2O51.4305, P2O5 2.2916. |
||
| Location of data points |
• Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drillholes (collar and downhole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. • Specification of the grid system used. • Quality and adequacy of topographic control. |
• Drill hole collars have been surveyed with a DGPS and have and accuracy of 100 mm. • All coordinates are in MGA Zone 52H 2020 and have been converted from MGA94 and AMG84 grids. • Topographic control has been established from surveyed drill collars and are within 100 mm. The Cummins Range deposit is located on fat terrain. |
| Data spacing and distribution |
• Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. • Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. • Whether sample compositing has been applied. |
• Drill hole spacing is considered appropriate to gain a robust understanding of the mineralisa�on. The RareX explora�on team are seeing the same geological posi�ons mineralised along strike, sugges�ng RareX have a solid geological model. Drill spacing is considered appropriate to support an Inferred and Indicated Mineral Resource es�mate. • 2 m to 4 m RC composites were completed in areas where higher grades were not expected. |
| Orientation of data in relation to geological structure |
• Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. • If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. |
• Navigator (NRC0001-NRC0093), Kimberley Rare Earths (KRC0094-KRC0170) and RareX 2020 drill holes (CRX0001- CRX0048, CRX0050-CRX0058) were drilled at an acute angle to the dominant orienta�on of the fresh rock rare earths mineralisa�on. These drill holes are shallow holes and are mostly contained in the regolith profle where a combina�on of residual, or eluvial and chemical weathering have redistributed rare earths and phosphate in orienta�ons that don’t align with primary mineralisa�on. Recent geochemical modeling has established some hard and so� boundaries that will confne grade to certain shapes. • Holes drilled by RareX in 2021 and 2022 were drilled orthogonal to the strike of the carbona�te pipe, with drill hole azimuths of 050° or 230°. |
| Sample security |
• The measures taken to ensure sample security. |
• Drill samples are delivered to Halls Creek by RareX staf. Then the samples are transported from Halls Creek to Perth via a reputable transport company. |
| Audits or reviews |
• The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data. |
• The Competent Person (Mineral Resources) reviewed the sampling techniques during their 2022 site visit and recommended minor changes to the sub-samplingof RC |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| samples, which were adopted by RareX. No other audits or reviews have occurred. |
Section 2: Reporting of Exploration Results
| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Mineral tenement and land tenure status |
• Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. • The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. |
• The Cummins Range REO deposit is located on tenement E80/5092 and is 100% owned by Cummins Range Pty Ltd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of RareX Ltd. Cummins Range Pty Ltd has purchased the tenement from Element 25 with a poten�al capped royalty payment of $1m should a posi�ve PFS be completed within 36 months of purchase fnalisa�on. |
| Exploration done by other parties |
• Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. |
• CRA Explora�on defned REO mineralisa�on at Cummins Range in 1978 using predominantly aircore drilling. Navigator Resources progressed this discovery with addi�onal drilling a�er purchasing the tenement in 2006. Navigator announced a resource es�mate in 2008. Kimberley Rare Earths drilled addi�onal holes in 2012. |
| Geology | • Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. |
• The Cummins Range REO deposit occurs within the Cummins Range carbona�te complex which is a 2.0 km diameter near- ver�cal diatreme pipe that has been deeply weathered but essen�ally outcropping with only thin aeolian sand cover in places. The diatreme pipe consists of various mafc to ultramafc rocks with later carbona�te intrusions. The primary ultramafc and carbona�te rocks host low to high-grade rare- earth elements with background levels of 1000-2000 ppm TREO and high-grade zones up to 20% TREO. Disseminated apa�te is through all rock types and is also contained in phoscorite. Above the carbona�te dykes is a well-developed regolith profle that extends to 100 m below the surface where a combina�on of residual, or eluvial and chemical weathering have redistributed and upgraded rare earths and phosphate. • QEMSCAN and MicroXRF results have showed that all the phosphate is contained in Apa�te and Monazite. The Apa�te contains low UTh, no cadmium and chlorine, and elevated levels of Fl that are well below acceptable limits. |
P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 [email protected] rarex.com.au
RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx
RareX Limited ASX:REE ABN: 65 105 578 756
RareX HQ Level 1, 338 Barker Road Subiaco WA 6008 Australia
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| • QEMSCAN and MicoXRF have showed the REO in the Regolith are depor�ng mostly to monazite, with lesser amounts depor�ng to bastnaesite, crandallite, and REE intergrowths. • QEMSCAN and MicoXRF indicate the REO in the fresh rock are depor�ng to monazite, bastnaesite, parisite and REE intergrowths. |
||
| Drillhole information |
• A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drillholes: o easting and northing of the drillhole collaro elevation or RL (Reduced Level – elevationabove sea level in metres) of the drill hole collar o dip and azimuth of the holeo downhole length and interception deptho hole length.• If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. |
• All drill collar and intersec�on details for explora�on results are contained within the report • All drill hole details used in this Mineral Resource have been previously announced on the ASX between 2019 and 2023. • All holes drilled by Navigator, KRE and RareX have been used to support the Mineral Resource. |
| Data aggregation methods |
• In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. • Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. • The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. |
• Weighted averages were used to calculate significant intercepts for the 15 Kimberley Rare Earth drill holes shown in Table 6. These intercepts were calculated using a 2.5% P2O5cut with No more than 5m dilution. • No metal equivalent values were used in the announcement. |
| Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths |
• These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. • If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drill hole angle is known, its nature should be reported. • If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. ‘downhole length, true width not known’). |
• Navigator (NRC0001-NRC0093), Kimberley Rare Earths (KRC0094-KRC0170) and RareX 2020 drill holes (CRX0001- CRX0048, CRX0050-CRX0058) were drilled at an acute angle to the dominant orienta�on of the fresh rock rare earths mineralisa�on. These drill holes are shallow holes and are mostly contained in the regolith profle where a combina�on of residual, or eluvial and chemical weathering have redistributed rare earths andphosphate in orienta�ons that don’t align with |
| RareX Limited RareX HQ ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 Australia |
P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx [email protected] rarex.com.au |
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| primary mineralisa�on. Recent geochemical modelling has established some hard and so� boundaries that will confne grade to certain shapes. • RareX drill holes CRX0059-CRX0104 and CDX0001-CDX0050 have been drilled perpendicular to orienta�on of the carbona�te dykes and mineralisa�on |
||
| Diagrams | • Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drill hole collar locations and appropriate sectional views. |
• Relevant diagrams are presented in the body of this report. |
| Balanced reporting |
• Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. |
• Reported explora�on results are considered balanced. |
| Other substantive exploration data |
• Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples – size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. |
• Bio- availability tests on the phosphate `samples have returned up to 4 �mes the minimum acceptable limit for agricultural applica�ons. The enhanced bioavailability of the apa�te at Cummins Range means lower grade ore can become more economical to mine. • CSA Global have completed a geochemical study of the regolith and has resulted in classifca�on of types of mineralisa�on. This study will be used for targeted metallurgical studies to op�mise mining and processing methods. • The igneous rare earth mineralisa�on has signifcantly higher propor�ons of NdPr and heavy rare earths + scandium (HRE) in comparison to the later high-grade rare-earth mineralising event on the Rare Dyke. On average the combined NdPr and HREO + Scandium content is 40% of the TREO. |
| Further work | • The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). • Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. |
• A Mineral Resource es�mate for the Phos Dyke, and including updates to the Rare Dyke, are expected in late April 2023, upon receipt of outstanding sample assays. • The Mineral Resource will be used to support an update to the Scoping Study, for comple�on in the frst half of 2023. • Baseline Environmental studies have commenced with the instalment of 14 water monitoring bores in 2022. |
P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx [email protected] rarex.com.au
RareX Limited RareX HQ ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 Australia
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| • The frst phases of fora and fauna studies were completed in 2022, and a wet season assessment will commence in May, 2023. |
Section 3: Estimation and Reporting of Mineral Resources
| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Database integrity |
• Measures taken to ensure that data has not been corrupted by, e.g. transcription or keying errors, between its initial collection and its use for Mineral Resource estimation purposes. • Data validation procedures used. |
• The drill hole database is maintained by MX Deposit through Seequent. • Data used in the Mineral Resource was exported from the database to Microso� Excel spreadsheets, containing relevant informa�on for collar loca�ons, downhole surveys, assay and sample logs of lithologies. • Assay tables were veted for nega�ve assay grades, with appropriate transla�ons carried out (e.g. less than detec�on assays were converted to 0.5 x minimum assay grade). All data tables were loaded into Datamine which ran its own data valida�on steps, including checking for overlapping sample intervals, missing collars or surveys, etc. Any errors were relayed to RareX who promptly corrected the data. Drill collars were compared to the topographic DTM with no signifcant eleva�on diferences (>2 m) noted. |
| Site visits | • Comment on any site visits undertaken by the Competent Person and the outcome of those visits. • If no site visits have been undertaken indicate why this is the case. |
• The Competent Person, Mineral Resources, visited the Project between 25 and 26 October 2022. The following aspects of the Project development were reviewed, and considered to be acceptable for suppor�ng the Mineral Resource es�mate: oInspec�on of geological outcrop, and discussions with RareX geological staf oValida�on of a selec�on of drill hole collar surveys oDiscussions regarding Project development and future Mineral Resource development ac�vi�es oForm a judgement regarding the Reasonable Prospects for Eventual Economic Extrac�on test. |
| Geological interpretation |
• Confidence in (or conversely, the uncertainty of) the geological interpretation of the mineral deposit. • Nature of the data used and of any assumptions made. • The effect, if any, of alternative interpretations |
• RareX completed all geological modelling using Leapfrog so�ware. The Leapfrog models were provided to CSA Global as dxf fles and imported into Datamine for Mineral Resource modelling. |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| on Mineral Resource estimation. • The use of geology in guiding and controlling Mineral Resource estimation. • The factors affecting continuity both of grade and geology. |
• The confdence in the geological interpreta�on is refected in the Mineral Resource classifca�on levels assigned to the Mineral Resource es�mate. • Geological models were based upon drill hole samples, including geological logs of lithology and weathering, and sample assays. • No alterna�ve interpreta�ons have been considered. • The geological models guided the Mineral Resource es�ma�on, with sample popula�ons for the total rare earth oxides and phosphate mineralisa�on sta�s�cally reviewed, and geological domains combined, or kept separate, as considered appropriate. • The geological models provided by RareX extend along strike, across width and to a depth beyond the extents of the classifed Mineral Resource. • The geological interpreta�on for the regolith zone has provided models for completely, strongly, moderately and weakly weathered zones, based upon geological logs and chemical assays of the samples. Two paleo-lakes (‘pans’) were modelled, inflled with sediment. A thin veneer cover of alluvial and/or elluvial sediments cover the deposit. • Within the strongly weathered domain are several other geochemical domains based upon geological and geochemical analyses of samples. These domains include silcrete, Mg- deple�on and high phosphate zones. These domains were not included in this Mineral Resource es�mate due to �me constraints, but the sample analyses within the domains infuenced the local block es�mates. • The primary zone comprises clino-pyroxenite and carbona�te domains. • Grade con�nuity is primarily controlled by the strike, dip and plunge of local geology, both within the regolith (mul�ple weathering domains with fat lying to shallow dipping geometries) and within the carbona�te and pyroxenite (moderate dips).. |
|
| Dimensions | • The extent and variability of the Mineral Resource expressed as length (along strike or otherwise), plan width, and depth below surface to the upper and lower limits of the Mineral Resource. |
• The Mineral Resource extends along strike (320°) 850 m, across strike 800 m, and extends down dip to a maximum of 500 m below surface. |
| RareX Limited | RareX HQ | P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASX:REE | Level 1, 338 Barker Road | @rarex_asx | ||
| ABN: 65 105 578 756 | Subiaco WA 6008 | [email protected] | ||
| Australia | rarex.com.au |
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| • The regolith mineralisa�on extends along strike 850 m, across strike 800 m, and extends down dip to a maximum of 90 m below surface. |
||
| Estimation and modelling techniques |
• The nature and appropriateness of the estimation technique(s) applied and key assumptions, including treatment of extreme grade values, domaining, interpolation parameters and maximum distance of extrapolation from data points. If a computer assisted estimation method was chosen include a description of computer software and parameters used. • The availability of check estimates, previous estimates and/or mine production records and whether the Mineral Resource estimate takes appropriate account of such data. • The assumptions made regarding recovery of by-products. • Estimation of deleterious elements or other non- grade variables of economic significance (e.g. sulphur for acid mine drainage characterisation). • In the case of block model interpolation, the block size in relation to the average sample spacing and the search employed. • Any assumptions behind modelling of selective mining units. • Any assumptions about correlation between variables. • Description of how the geological interpretation was used to control the resource estimates. • Discussion of basis for using or not using grade cutting or capping. • The process of validation, the checking process used, the comparison of model data to drillhole data, and use of reconciliation data if available. |
• Datamine Studio RM so�ware was used for all geological modelling, grade interpola�on, resource classifca�on and repor�ng. Snowden Supervisor (v8.15) and GeoAccess Professional were used for geosta�s�cal analyses. • A block model with block sizes 12.5 m(X) x 12.5 m(Y) x 5 m(Z) was constructed, using the same fagging variables as used to fag the drillhole samples. The block size compares favourably with the 25 m x 25 m drill spacing in the majority of the Indicated classifca�on domain. • A topographic DTM was used to deplete the block model at surface. • All drilling data obtained by Navigator, Kimberley Rare Earths and RareX was used to support the Mineral Resource es�mate. Data obtained by CRA Explora�on was not used due to quality control issues with the data. • Drillhole samples were fagged against the mineralisa�on wireframe solids, and appropriate Datamine variables were set to unique numeric values, for each wireframe solid. • Samples were composited to 1 m length and were used to interpolate all REO grades, plus P2O5, Sc2O3, Nb2O5, U3O8, ThO2 into the block model using ordinary kriging interpola�on techniques. Accessory oxides including CaO, Fe2O3, MgO and SiO2 were also interpolated. • Sta�s�cal assessments of all the oxides were carried out on composited sample data which were fagged within the geological domains, to determine if oxides could be combined into larger domains. In this regard, the rare earth oxides within the completely weathered, moderately weathered and weakly weathered domains were combined into one domain. The strongly weathered domain was sta�s�cally determined to be a hard boundary for resource es�ma�on. The pan domain is depleted by all REO and phosphate and is regarded to be a hard domain boundary. • An assessment of high-grade sample assays was carried out so that appropriate grade capping could applied. |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| • Normal scores variograms were modelled for most oxides from data in the regolith and primary domains. Low nugget efects of ≤10% were modelled for P2O5 and the REOs, short ranges of up to 60 m and long ranges of > 100 m were modelled. Primary direc�ons for P2O5 within the regolith are shallowly plunging towards the west, and WNW for TREO. Within the primary zones, moderate plunges were modelled for TREO and P2O5 towards the west. • The completely weathered, moderately weathered and weakly weathered domains were combined into one domain for grade interpola�on of REOs and P2O5. • Top cut and composited sample grades were interpolated into the block model using ordinary kriging. The Datamine felds LITHZON and WEATH were used to control grade interpola�on with hard es�ma�on boundaries between the individual regolith and primary lithologies, except where previously noted. • A search ellipse of 300 m (X) by 300 m (Y) by 70 m (Z) was used to select samples for grade interpola�on for P2O5 within the strongly weathered zone, which hosts the highest grade P2O5 popula�on in the Mineral Resource. A search ellipse of 250 m (X) by 150 m (Y) by 50 m (Z) was used to select samples for grade interpola�on for the REOs within the strongly weathered zone. Search ellipse radii were determined from variogram ranges, and appropriate radii were determined for the other domains. • A minimum of 8 and maximum of 22 samples were used per block es�mate. Search ellipse radii were increased when needed to ensure all blocks were interpolated. • Oxides interpolated into the model are: oHeavy rare Earth Oxides (HREO): La2O3, CeO2, Pr6O11, Nd2O3, Sm2O3, Eu2O3, Gd2O3; and Light Rare Earth Oxides (LREO): Tb4O7, Dy2O3, Ho2O3, Er2O3, Tm2O3, Yb2O3, Lu2O3; + Y2O3 oSc2O3, P2O5, Nb2O5, ZrO2, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, MgO, SrO, ThO2, U3O8, SiO2. • Selec�ve mining units were not adopted into the model. • Strong correla�ons were noted between the rare earth oxides, due to being hosted in the same mineral (Monazite). The REOs have very similar variogram models, and assump�ons were made regarding common search ellipse radii and other interpola�on parameters. |
||
| RareX Limited RareX HQ ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 Australia |
P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx [email protected] rarex.com.au |
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| • The block model was validated visually, by swath plots of selected REOs and P2O5, and comparing the mean block and sample grades per domain. |
||
| Moisture | • Whether the tonnages are estimated on a dry basis or with natural moisture, and the method of determination of the moisture content. |
• Tonnages are reported on a dry basis. |
| Cut-off parameters |
• The basis of the adopted cut-off grade(s) or quality parameters applied. |
• A cut-of grade of 2.5% P2O5 was chosen to report the Mineral Resource based upon advice from RareX, who noted a similar cut-of grade was used for repor�ng other Phosphate Mineral Resources. |
| Mining factors or assumptions |
• Assumptions made regarding possible mining methods, minimum mining dimensions and internal (or, if applicable, external) mining dilution. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential mining methods, but the assumptions made regarding mining methods and parameters when estimating Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the mining assumptions made. |
• A Scoping Study was completed in 2022 (ASX release, 12th September, 2022). This Scoping Study was completed on the 2021 resource of 18.9Mt @ 1.15% TREO and 10% P205. The key project fnancial metrics were posi�ve and the preferred development path was to establish an open cut mine and fota�on benefcia�on facility at site producing a rare earth mineral concentrate and a phosphate mineral concentrate which is trucked along mainly sealed roads to Wyndham Port. At Wyndham Port, a hydroelectric powered rare earth refnery facility is envisaged which produces a mixed rare earth carbonate (MREC) product for export with a by-product of merchant grade phosphoric acid. • The Scoping Study was completed on a much smaller resource and focused on op�mising TREO recovery. The new block model will be used to assess the poten�al for an open cut mining opera�on with a focus on both phosphate and TREO recovery. Recent metallurgical test work on the phosphate has delivered premium phosphate concentrate with greater than 39% P2O5 using conven�onal fota�on circuits. Bioavailability tests on the phosphate has also shown strong bioavailability with up to 4 x the accepted industry standard. These results show that lower grade P2O5 can be mined to achieve a premium phosphate product. • Mining study work with the new resource will commence in May 2023. |
| Metallurgical factors or assumptions |
• The basis for assumptions or predictions regarding metallurgical amenability. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider potential metallurgical methods, but the assumptions regarding |
• Phosphate fota�on test on weathered and fresh rock material has produced concentrate grades of >39% P2O5 with >80% recovery. |
| RareX Limited RareX HQ ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 Australia |
P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) @rarex_asx [email protected] rarex.com.au |
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| metallurgical treatment processes and parameters made when reporting Mineral Resources may not always be rigorous. Where this is the case, this should be reported with an explanation of the basis of the metallurgical assumptions made. |
• Bioavailability tests of phosphate samples are up to 4 x the industry standard bioavailability indica�ng the poten�al to produce direct shipping ore and phosphate mineral concentrate. • The September 2022 scoping study outlines a 15% TREO monazite concentrate from metallurgical tes�ng. Since September, metallurgical programs have been focused on refning the process and results are expected in coming months. |
|
| Environmental factors or assumptions |
• Assumptions made regarding possible waste and process residue disposal options. It is always necessary as part of the process of determining reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction to consider the potential environmental impacts of the mining and processing operation. While at this stage the determination of potential environmental impacts, particularly for a greenfields project, may not always be well advanced, the status of early consideration of these potential environmental impacts should be reported. Where these aspects have not been considered this should be reported with an explanation of the environmental assumptions made. |
• The Cummins Range Project is located on the northern edge of the Great Sandy Desert on fat terrain with no major drainages for kilometres in all direc�ons. • Baseline studies have commenced with the instalment of 14 water monitoring bores in 2022. • The frst phases of fora and fauna studies were completed in 2022, and a wet season assessment will commence in May, 2023. • Underground water in the project area is fresh and will be used for processing. Poten�al water sources will be assessed in 2023. • RareX have been working under a radia�on management plan and background levels have been established using environmental dosimeters. |
| Bulk density | • Whether assumed or determined. If assumed, the basis for the assumptions. If determined, the method used, whether wet or dry, the frequency of the measurements, the nature, size and representativeness of the samples. • The bulk density for bulk material must have been measured by methods that adequately account for void spaces (vugs, porosity, etc.), moisture and differences between rock and alteration zones within the deposit. • Discuss assumptions for bulk density estimates used in the evaluation process of the different materials. |
• Bulk densi�es were determined using the water displacement method, with diamond core billets used. • The following means were calculated from the main modelled data: Cover (mean density 2.0 t/m3, 6 samples), Pan (2.5 t/m3, 0 samples, recommended value provided by RareX), completely weathered (2.2 t/m3, 2 samples), strongly weathered (2.4 t/m3, 161 samples), moderately weathered (2.6 t/m3, 15 samples), weakly weathered (2.8 t/m3, 7 samples); Primary pyroxenite (3.13 t/m3, 330 samples), carbona�te (2.98 t/m3, 365 samples). • The bulk density mean values were assigned to the corresponding lithological domain codes in the block model. |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | • The basis for the classification of the Mineral Resources into varying confidence categories. • Whether appropriate account has been taken of all relevant factors (relative confidence in tonnage/grade estimations, reliability of input data, confidence in continuity of geology and metal values, quality, quantity and distribution of the data). • Whether the result appropriately reflects the Competent Person’s view of the deposit. |
• The Mineral Resource is classifed as a combina�on of Indicated and Inferred, with the Mineral Resource reported in accordance with the JORC Code, with geological and sampling evidence sufcient to assume geological and grade con�nuity within the volumes classifed as Indicated. The classifca�on levels are based upon an assessment of geological understanding of the deposit, geological and grade con�nuity, drillhole spacing, quality control results, search and interpola�on parameters, and an analysis of available density informa�on. The Indicated volumes cover the volumes with 25 m x 25 m drill spacing, and Inferred covers volumes with up to 100 m by 100 m drill spacing. • Mineral Resource classifca�on was applied to the block model using a cookie cuter approach, with polygons digi�sed around drill samples from the regolith domains and using ‘slope of regression’ outputs (using values of >0.7 for Indicated) from the P2O5 kriging to guide the limits of the polygon. • Solid wireframe models were built capturing Indicated and Inferred volumes for the Primary zones, which were added to the block model and fagged with the appropriate resource classifca�on. • The results appropriately refect the Competent Person’s view of the deposit. |
| Audits or reviews |
• The results of any audits or reviews of Mineral Resource estimates. |
• No audits or reviews of the current MRE have been undertaken apart from internal reviews carried out by CSA Global. |
| Discussion of relative accuracy/ confidence |
• Where appropriate a statement of the relative accuracy and confidence level in the Mineral Resource estimate using an approach or procedure deemed appropriate by the Competent Person. For example, the application of statistical or geostatistical procedures to quantify the relative accuracy of the resource within stated confidence limits, or, if such an approach is not deemed appropriate, a qualitative discussion of the factors that could affect the relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate. • The statement should specify whether it relates to global or local estimates, and, if local, state the relevant tonnages, which should be relevant to technical and economic evaluation. Documentation should include assumptions made and the procedures used. |
• Only OK and IDS methods were used to interpolate the grade variables, and no other es�mated methods were used in parallel. • Relevant tonnages and grade above nominated cut-of grades for P2O5 are provided in the introduc�on and body of this report. Tonnages were calculated by fltering all blocks above the cut-of grade and sub-se�ng the resultant data into bins by mineralisa�on domain. The volumes of all the collated blocks were mul�plied by the dry density value to derive the tonnages. • The Mineral Resource is a local es�mate, whereby the drillhole data was geologically domained, resul�ng in fewer drillhole samples to interpolate the block model than the complete drillhole dataset, which would comprise a global es�mate. |
RareX Limited RareX HQ P +61 (0) 8 6383 6593 RareX Limited (ASX:REE) ASX:REE Level 1, 338 Barker Road @rarex_asx ABN: 65 105 578 756 Subiaco WA 6008 [email protected] Australia rarex.com.au
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| Criteria | JORC Code explanation | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| • These statements of relative accuracy and confidence of the estimate should be compared with production data, where available. |
| RareX Limited | RareX HQ | P+61 (0) 8 6383 6593 | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) | RareX Limited (ASX:REE) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASX:REE | Level 1, 338 Barker Road | @rarex_asx | ||
| ABN: 65 105 578 756 | Subiaco WA 6008 | [email protected] | ||
| Australia | rarex.com.au |