Connected Minerals Ltd has commenced diamond drilling at the Bailundo Carbonatite Project in Huambo Province, Angola, following the completion of initial ground geophysics.

The company holds an 80% interest in the project through its acquisition of Frontier Group CRM Pty Ltd, which completed in August 2026.

The multi-target drill programme comprises approximately 6,000 metres using both reverse circulation and diamond rigs. Operations are currently focused on the primary niobium target in the Central and Southern zone, with 63 planned holes on a nominal 100-metre by 100-metre grid. Additional drilling is planned across the northern rare earth element target, comprising 54 holes on a 150-metre by 200-metre pattern, alongside scout locations.

The initial campaign follows a ground geophysical survey comprising 31 line-kilometres of Ground Penetrating Radar and seven Electrical Resistivity Tomography profiles. The data revealed variable near-surface weathering depths across the carbonatite complex, allowing the company to refine drill hole placement ahead of the rainy season in late November.

“Our initial programme is designed to systematically test the primary niobium target in the Central/ Southern zone. This is the first phase of a broader programme designed to test both the niobium and rare earth element potential of Bailundo, with the scale of the carbonatite complex providing significant scope to identify additional target areas as exploration expands. Running the diamond and RC rigs concurrently will allow us to rapidly build coverage across this area while collecting the core required to advance our geological, mineralogical and metallurgical understanding.”

— Stephen Wetherall, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director

First assay results from the drilling programme are expected in the next quarter, with Connected Minerals targeting a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate by the end of the June 2027 quarter.

Read the full announcement: Ground Geophysics Completed & Drilling Underway at Bailundo