Desert Star Project Yields Heavy Mineral Concentrate Assays as High as 26,286 ppm TREO
Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited has reported exceptional early-stage rare earth element assay results from its Desert Star Project in California, with heavy mineral concentrates reaching up to 26,286 ppm TREO. These findings highlight the project's strategic potential near the Mountain Pass Mine, North America's only operating rare earth mine.
- Heavy mineral concentrate assays up to 26,286 ppm TREO
- Rock chip samples confirm REE mineralisation up to 7,841 ppm TREO
- Desert Star Project lies 4.5 km northeast of Mountain Pass Mine
- Geological features consistent with large-scale REE systems identified
- Plans underway for geophysical surveys and scout drilling
Exceptional Early Assay Results
Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited (ASX, BMM) has announced outstanding rare earth element (REE) assay results from its initial reconnaissance sampling at the Desert Star Project in California, USA. Heavy mineral concentrate samples returned grades as high as 26,286 ppm TREO (total rare earth oxides), while rock chip samples yielded up to 7,841 ppm TREO. These results represent a significant early milestone, confirming the presence of high-grade REE mineralisation within the project area.
Strategic Location Adjacent to Mountain Pass
The Desert Star Project is strategically positioned just 4.5 kilometres northeast of MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Mine, the only rare earth mine currently operating in North America and one of the largest globally. This proximity places Bayan’s landholding within a structurally controlled corridor that extends from the world-class Mountain Pass deposit, elevating the project’s potential significance in the critical minerals landscape.
Favourable Geology and Structural Controls
Field mapping and sampling have revealed a complex geological setting dominated by sheared gneiss and pegmatite intrusives with iron-carbonate veining, pervasive oxidation, and brecciation. These features are consistent with magmatic-hydrothermal processes known to host large-scale REE deposits. The presence of garnet-bearing pegmatite pods and Fe-oxide–carbonate alteration further supports the potential for significant rare earth enrichment.
Robust Sampling and Analytical Approach
The company collected 69 rock chip and 29 heavy mineral concentrate samples during reconnaissance mapping, guided by handheld gamma-ray survey devices. Samples were analysed using industry-standard four-acid digestion and ICP-MS techniques, with rigorous quality control including certified standards and duplicates. While heavy mineral concentrate grades are not directly comparable to in situ rock grades, the combined dataset provides compelling evidence of mineralisation continuity across a 1.5-kilometre strike length.
Next Steps, Geophysics and Drilling
Building on this momentum, Bayan is advancing geophysical surveys including ground magnetic, radiometric, and gravity studies to refine exploration targets. Detailed ground surveys and further sampling are planned to delineate high-priority drill targets, with scout drilling anticipated to test the depth and extent of the REE system. The company aims to establish Desert Star as a cornerstone REE asset within the U.S., supporting domestic supply chains for these critical minerals.
Bottom Line?
Bayan’s Desert Star Project is rapidly emerging as a promising rare earth contender in a critical U.S. mineral corridor, with upcoming drilling poised to unlock its true potential.
Questions in the middle?
- Will scout drilling confirm the continuity and economic viability of the REE mineralisation?
- How will Bayan position Desert Star within the evolving U.S. rare earth supply chain?
- What are the potential challenges in advancing the project given its early-stage status?
