Power Minerals' LiDAR Survey Unveils Promising Targets at Nióbio Project
PNN (PNN) Share Update September 2024 Monday 30th
Power Minerals Identifies High-Quality Exploration Targets at Nióbio Project
Power Minerals Limited (ASX: PNN) has announced the successful identification of multiple high-quality exploration targets at its Nióbio Niobium Project in Paraiba State, Brazil, following a comprehensive LiDAR survey.
Instant Summary:
- LiDAR survey completed over the entire 1,600ha permit area.
- Multiple linear topographic features identified, potentially indicating previously unknown pegmatite dykes.
- Historical artisanal mining activities observed in several ground disturbances.
- LiDAR data helps delineate boundaries of transported alluvial material in lower valley areas.
- Recent rock chip samples show high-grade niobium and tantalum mineralization.
- Power secures an option over the Tântalo Project, expanding exploration footprint.
LiDAR Survey Results
The recently completed LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey over Power Minerals' Nióbio Project area has exceeded expectations, uncovering multiple high-quality exploration targets. The survey covered the entire 1,600-hectare permit area in northeast Brazil.
The LiDAR survey identified several linear topographic features that may represent previously unmapped pegmatite dykes. Additionally, several ground disturbances likely associated with historical artisanal mining activities were observed. These findings provide a clear roadmap for prioritizing on-ground exploration activities.
Geological Insights
The LiDAR data has highlighted changes in topographic gradients, which will assist in accurately delineating the boundaries of transported alluvial material in the lower valley areas. Recent rock chip samples further enhance the prospectivity of the Nióbio Project, particularly along the southern boundary adjacent to Summit Minerals' Equador Project.
Notable results from these samples include:
- 63.7% Nb₂O₅ and 9.5% Ta₂O₅ with 2,354 ppm partial REO
- 43.5% Ta₂O₅ and 17.5% Nb₂O₅ with 1,062 ppm partial REO
These results indicate the presence of high-grade niobium and tantalum mineralization, which could significantly boost the project's value.
Strategic Expansion
Power Minerals has also secured an option over the Tântalo Project, located south of Nióbio. This acquisition expands the company's exploration footprint in Brazil and provides additional opportunities for applying their exploration methods to fast-track on-ground fieldwork across a larger project area.
The LiDAR survey, conducted using advanced drone technology, provided highly precise data, achieving a point cloud density of approximately 400 points per square meter. This detailed topographic data will significantly enhance Power's ability to determine the source catchment area of any alluvial or eluvial samples.
The identification of high-quality exploration targets at the Nióbio Project is a significant milestone for Power Minerals. The LiDAR survey results provide a clear path for fast-tracking on-ground exploration, which could lead to the discovery of high-grade niobium and rare earth element (REE) mineralization.
This development is likely to positively impact Power Minerals' stock price as investors react to the promising exploration potential. The expanded exploration footprint with the acquisition of the Tântalo Project further strengthens the company's position in the Brazilian mining sector.
Investor Reaction:
Analysts are expected to react positively to the news, given the promising exploration targets identified by the LiDAR survey. The high-grade mineralization results from recent rock chip samples are particularly encouraging, indicating significant potential for future discoveries.
Investors will likely be optimistic about Power Minerals' strategic expansion and the expedited exploration plans, which could lead to substantial returns in the long term.
Conclusion:
Power Minerals' successful identification of high-quality exploration targets at the Nióbio Project marks an important step in advancing their Brazilian project portfolio. Investors should closely monitor the company's progress as they begin on-ground exploration and sampling at these targets.
With the expanded exploration footprint and promising initial results, Power Minerals is well-positioned to capitalize on the potential of the Nióbio and Tântalo projects. Investors are encouraged to stay informed and consider the long-term growth prospects of the company.