WA1 edges closer to Luni niobium production
WA1 Resources has moved a step closer to feasibility at its Luni niobium project in Western Australia, supported by new high-grade intersections of rare earths.
Recent infill drilling in the eastern zone of the Luni project has delivered more high-grade niobium intersections, including 7.3m at 2.9 per cent niobium pentoxide, 13m at 3.2 per cent niobium pentoxide and 21.4m at 7.4 per cent niobium pentoxide.
These results increase resource definition of the project’s focus area for potential early years of mining and coincide with results described as “excellent” that were recently returned from beneficiation testing.
“Field data collection supporting the pre-feasibility study is now complete,” WA1’s managing director Paul Savich said in a statement.
“Current site activities are focused on advancing technical workstreams that will strengthen the project’s foundation for definitive level studies and future development.”
The company has completed 90,000 metres of drilling at Luni since discovery, with diamond drilling continuing to support resource definition and metallurgical testwork.
WA1 also confirmed that access to Luni has improved following the commissioning of an airstrip and commencement of regular direct flights to the project site, supporting ongoing exploration and development activities.
WA1 said the latest results continue to demonstrate the continuity of high-grade niobium mineralisation at Luni, while providing greater understanding of the deposit’s geometry, thickness and grade distribution.
Drilling to date has focused primarily on the weathered portion of the Luni carbonatite, where enriched oxide mineralisation has generally been identified as broad, sub-horizontal zones. WA1 said the potential for further mineralisation within the deeper, unweathered carbonatite remains significant and will be tested through future drilling programs.
Alongside exploration activities, WA1 continues to progress development workstreams at Luni, including permitting, approvals and technical studies supporting the pre-feasibility study.
The recently commissioned Luni airstrip is now supporting regular direct flights to the project site, improving access and helping streamline mobilisation of personnel, equipment and resources. WA1 said the infrastructure upgrade will enhance safety and efficiency as exploration and pre-development activities continue.
Construction of the airstrip also included work experience opportunities for Traditional Owners, with WA1 noting the programs are intended to support future collaborative initiatives and strengthen engagement with local communities.
The company said ongoing drilling, metallurgical testing and site activities will continue to provide key information as Luni progresses through studies and towards a potential development decision.