AuKing Mining Limited has extended the first diamond drill hole at the Tundulu Rare Earth Project in southern Malawi to a depth of 510.6 metres after geological logging identified continuous carbonatite intersections well beyond initial plans.

The initial diamond drill hole, designated 26NH032, was originally planned to reach a depth of 300 metres by extending an existing 150-metre reverse circulation hole. However, continuous logging of carbonatite intrusions prompted field teams to continue drilling to 510.6 metres. End-of-hole logging indicates the carbonatite geology remains open at depth, supporting a broader and deeper geological model than previously anticipated around the Nathace Hill target area.

“AuKing's exploration team continues to make excellent progress now that diamond drilling has commenced at Tundulu. Importantly, the observations from the initially-planned 300m first hole compelled the drilling to continue well beyond that depth, to 510m. Carbonatite geology has been confirmed throughout this now much deeper hole.”

— Paul Williams, Managing Director

Visual observations of the drill core remain subject to laboratory assay confirmation. AuKing has secured seven export permits covering samples from prior reverse circulation drilling, with the approved batches now either at Intertek's Zambia preparation facility or in transit.

The first two batches, comprising 1,270 samples, have arrived at Intertek’s Perth laboratory for priority assay processing. Assay results for the initial drilling program are pending and expected upon receipt from the laboratory, with further regional context seen in nearby exploration where Chilwa Minerals confirmed rare earth element mineralisation in clays beneath its Mposa heavy mineral sands deposit, outlining an approximately 8-kilometre mineralised corridor.

AuKing intends to use the upcoming assay data and ongoing diamond drilling results to support a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for Tundulu before the end of the year.

Read the full announcement: Tundulu Diamond Hole Intersects Carbonatite to EOH at 510m