CSIRO-led Modelling Reveals Major Extensions to Rare Earths Basins, Boosting OD6 Metals’ Splinter Rock Project in WA
Australian company OD6 Metals’ Splinter Rock project in Western Australia is set to receive a significant boost, thanks to new modelling led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). The research has revealed major extensions to rare earths basins within the project area, potentially increasing the scale of the project. Currently, Splinter Rock has an inferred resource of 344 million tonnes (Mt) of total rare earth oxides (TREO) at a grade of 1,208 parts per million (ppm).
Exploration efforts by OD6 Metals have also yielded impressive results, with the company reporting some of Australia’s thickest and highest-grade rare earth element (REE) intercepts. In Phase 3 drilling, grades of up to 6,441 ppm TREO were obtained, and 92% of the holes encountered clays with more than 300 ppm TREO content. Of particular interest is the presence of valuable magnet REEs, which make up an average of approximately 23% of the TREO grade. These magnet REEs are crucial for manufacturing rare earth magnets used in electric vehicle motors and wind turbines.
Furthermore, OD6 Metals’ exploration activities have confirmed the presence of REE-bearing clays across a 14-kilometer-long stretch in the Centre prospect, with widths ranging from 4 to 5 kilometers. This prospect is located within a large clay basin on an elevated tableland and already has a resource of 149 Mt at 1,423 ppm TREO. The new modelling carried out by CSIRO has allowed for an enhanced interpretation of OD6’s Tempest airborne electromagnetic data, enabling the identification of new prospects and expansion of existing basin areas such as Centre.
Brett Hazelden, the managing director of OD6 Metals, expressed his excitement about the findings, stating that the CSIRO-led research has provided invaluable insights into the company’s extensive clay REE basins and channels. By utilizing state-of-the-art techniques and technology, the accurate modeling of clay thickness and the depth of surface cover allows OD6 Metals to prioritize exploration targets with a high level of confidence. With the identification of new clay basins and a better understanding of the defined basin areas, the Splinter Rock project is emerging as Australia’s foremost clay REE project.
Moving forward, OD6 Metals plans to select regional targets within the identified clay basin prospects for initial reconnaissance drilling. This drilling will aim to confirm the presence of rare earth grades, clays thickness, cover thickness, and other geological parameters. Additionally, the company will conduct heritage and environmental surveys while securing the necessary permits for Phase 4 drilling. Metallurgical samples will be taken from favorable holes, and infill drilling will be carried out based on the best results obtained.
The developments at OD6 Metals’ Splinter Rock project highlight the growing importance of rare earth elements and their significant role in various industries, particularly in the production of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. With the potential for major extensions to the rare earths basins and promising exploration results, OD6 Metals is well-positioned to contribute to the global supply of these critical materials.
References:
– OD6 Metals. (n.d.). Exploration Update – Splinter Rock Project. Retrieved from [link]
– CSIRO. (n.d.). CSIRO-led Modelling Reveals Major Extensions to Rare Earths Basins, Boosting OD6 Metals’ Splinter Rock Project in WA. Retrieved from [link]
