Kameelberg’s Growing Niobium Zone Signals Critical Exploration Risks Ahead
Aldoro Resources has unveiled promising assay results from its Kameelberg project in Namibia, revealing high-grade niobium mineralisation and extending the deposit to approximately 1,100 meters. These findings reinforce the project's potential as a significant polymetallic resource.
- High-grade niobium up to 4.14% Nb2O5 confirmed
- Mineralisation extends ~1,100 meters NW-SW at Kameelberg
- Phase I drilling nearing completion with ~9,500 meters drilled
- Updated Mineral Resource Estimate incorporating new holes expected in August
- Upcoming drilling at Omuronga Carbonatite targets heavy rare earths and deeper niobium zones
Expanding the Kameelberg Footprint
Aldoro Resources Ltd (ASX, ARN) has reported encouraging assay results from diamond drill holes DD005B and DD008A at its flagship Kameelberg project in Namibia. The latest data confirm extensive mineralisation spanning approximately 1,100 meters across the northwest-southwest axis of the carbonatite intrusion, a significant increase in the known scale of this polymetallic deposit.
Notably, high-grade niobium mineralisation is emerging, with assays reaching up to 4.14% Nb2O5. This is a critical development given niobium's strategic importance in high-strength steel alloys and emerging technologies. The drill hole DD005B alone encountered 140 meters of high-grade niobium mineralisation, including intervals of 15 meters at 0.8% Nb2O5 and 6 meters at 1.43% Nb2O5 towards the western extent of the carbonatite.
Geological Insights and Mineral Zoning
The Kameelberg deposit exhibits a distinct zonation pattern, with rare earth elements (REE) dominating the upper layers and niobium enrichment increasing at depth and near the edges of the carbonatite body. This zonation aligns with Aldoro's geological model, which suggests that heavier niobium-bearing minerals precipitated earlier at higher temperatures, settling deeper within the intrusive body, while REE minerals formed later near the surface.
This interpretation underpins the company's optimism about discovering a substantial high-grade niobium zone at depth, a hypothesis that will be tested with the arrival of larger diamond drilling rigs capable of reaching depths beyond 750 meters in September.
Drilling Progress and Next Steps
The Phase I drilling program is approaching completion, with approximately 9,500 meters drilled across multiple holes. The assay results from DD005B and DD008A will be incorporated into an updated Mineral Resource Estimate due later in August, expected to reflect both increased tonnage and improved grade metrics.
Concurrently, Aldoro is preparing to mobilise drilling equipment to the Omuronga Carbonatite, where scout hole drilling will commence alongside a magnetic survey. This next phase aims to confirm the presence of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) and explore for higher-grade niobium zones, further enhancing the project's strategic value.
Strategic Positioning in Namibia
Chairperson Quinn Li highlighted the project's exceptional attributes, noting its surface commencement with minimal overburden and its location within Namibia, a mining-friendly jurisdiction with established infrastructure. These factors position Kameelberg as a potentially world-class critical minerals deposit, poised to meet growing global demand for rare earths and niobium.
With rigorous sampling, assay, and quality control procedures adhering to JORC Code standards, Aldoro's findings carry a high degree of confidence. The company remains cautious, however, acknowledging that true widths of mineralisation are yet to be established and that deeper drilling results will be pivotal in confirming the deposit's full potential.
Bottom Line?
As Aldoro advances towards a resource update and deeper drilling, the Kameelberg project stands at the cusp of transforming into a globally significant critical minerals asset.
Questions in the middle?
- Will the upcoming Mineral Resource Estimate confirm a substantial increase in tonnage and grade?
- Can deeper drilling validate the presence of a large high-grade niobium zone beneath Kameelberg?
- What are the implications of the Omuronga Carbonatite exploration for Aldoro's rare earth element portfolio?
