Drill Permitting and Uranium Zones Pose Challenges for Bayan’s Desert Star Plans

Integrated Surveys Define Clear Targets

Bayan Mining and Minerals Limited (ASX, BMM) has announced significant progress at its 100% owned Desert Star Projects in California, USA, following the completion of comprehensive ground gravity, magnetic, and radiometric surveys. These geophysical techniques have been integrated to establish a coherent targeting framework that refines the company’s understanding of rare earth element (REE) mineralisation controls within the project area.

The Desert Star prospect has emerged as the primary focus, with three priority targets (ST1–ST3) delineated based on the convergence of structural corridors, gravity edge features, and thorium-rich radiometric signatures. This multi-parameter approach tightens drill collar placement and sequencing, aiming to maximise exploration efficiency.

Distinct Domains at Desert Star North

At Desert Star North, the surveys have differentiated two distinct domains, NT1, characterised by thorium-rich REE mineralisation, and NT2, a newly recognised uranium-enriched structural corridor. While NT1 remains aligned with the REE exploration program, NT2 is being advanced separately due to its uranium enrichment, reflecting a strategic bifurcation in exploration focus.

The integrated data supports a structurally controlled, fenite-style REE system concentrated along faults and intrusive margins. This geological model aligns closely with mineralisation styles observed at the nearby Mountain Pass district, one of the world’s largest and highest-grade rare earth operations. Such parallels reinforce the potential of the Desert Star Projects within this globally significant critical minerals corridor.

Next Steps Toward Drilling

Bayan Mining plans to advance 3D gravity and magnetic modelling over the ST1–ST3 target zones to better define target geometry and depth. Complementary soil sampling programs will be conducted across existing anomalies to refine drill collar locations further. This disciplined, risk-focused targeting strategy prioritises high-confidence drill positions along anomaly margins, enhancing the chances of successful mineralisation discovery.

Meanwhile, the company is actively engaging with the US Bureau of Land Management to progress drill permitting and regulatory approvals, a critical step before commencing scout drilling. The Desert Star Projects benefit from strategic infrastructure proximity, including access to interstate highways, high-voltage power lines, and a nearby rail line, which could support future development logistics.

Strategic Location and Broader Context

Located just 4.5 km northeast of MP Materials’ Mountain Pass Rare Earth Mine and near the Colosseum Gold Mine, the Desert Star Projects sit within a well-established mineralised corridor. The geological and structural similarities to these major operations provide a compelling context for Bayan Mining’s exploration model and bolster investor confidence.

Executive Director Fadi Diab emphasised the clarity the integrated survey results bring to the exploration framework, highlighting the company’s focus on testing the right structures first. This approach aligns with the broader industry trend of leveraging advanced geophysical techniques to de-risk exploration and optimise capital allocation.