Kendrick Resources Plc (LON: KEN) has highlighted significant expansion potential at its Teufelskuppe rare earth project in Namibia, following an in-house estimate identifying approximately 14 million tonnes of above-ground carbonatite mineralisation.
The mineralisation is reported to contain exceptionally high total rare-earth oxide (TREO) grades ranging from 2.2% to 7.06%, placing Teufelskuppe among the higher-grade rare-earth projects globally.
Highlights
· 14 million tonnes of high-grade, above ground carbonatite mineralisation identified from exposed outcrops
· In-house non-JORC (2012) tonnage estimate based on high quality volumetric modelling and updated bulk density data
· Surface carbonatite grades ranging from 2.2% to 7.06% TREO, placing TK amongst the highest grade rare earth projects globally
· Easily accessible, visually identifiable mineralisation significantly reduces geological risk
· Current tonnage estimate represents only a fraction of total potential, with drilling already confirming substantial mineralisation at depth
· Ongoing diamond drilling and channel sampling designed to convert surface and sub-surface mineralisation into a JORC (2012) Mineral Resource Estimate
Kendrick Resources currently holds a 70% interest in the project and said the easily accessible, visually identifiable mineralisation materially lowers geological uncertainty and exploration risk. The company believes the scale and grade profile could make Teufelskuppe a strategically important rare earth asset as global demand for critical minerals continues to rise.
Management noted that ongoing drilling programmes are aimed at converting both surface and near-surface mineralisation into a JORC (2012) compliant resource estimate. Current estimates are understood to represent only a small portion of the project’s overall exploration upside.
The company added that the combination of shallow mineralisation, high grades and straightforward geological characteristics could support future development potential while reducing the complexity typically associated with rare earth exploration projects
