Quantum Rare Earth Developments (CVE:QRE), a junior explorer of rare earths, said Wednesday it has initiated metallurgical testing of the Elk Creek niobium deposit, in southeastern Nebraska.
Quantum said it has hired Hazen Research to carry-out a characterization and process development study for material from the Elk Creek deposit.
Recent tests indicate significant concentrations of rare earth elements within the niobium zone, with a high proportion of middle and heavy rare earth oxides. The company said recovery rates of specific rare earth elements will be investigated.
Material used for testing will come from a recent summer drill program at Elk Creek, which confirmed the high-grade mineral and size potential of the deposit.
Results from drill hole NEC11-002 returned 179.18 meters of 0.87% niobium pentoxide and 0.43% of total rare earth oxides (TREO), including 131.03 meters of 1.02% niobium pentoxide and 0.48% TREO, and 1.23% niobium pentoxide and 0.38% TREO over 34.16 meters.
Meanwhile, drill hole NEC11-003 intersected 130.37 meters of 0.58% niobium pentoxide and 0.48% of TREO, and 0.94% of niobium pentoxide and 0.42% of TREO over 34.16 meters.
The current inferred resource estimate reveals over 80 million tonnes, with a grading of 0.62% niobium pentoxide, just under 500 million kilograms of niobium.
The company said that recent assay results were given to Wardrop, a Tetra Tech Company, to include into the current geologic model for Elk Creek.
Vancouver-based Quantum Rare Earth is an exploration company with a focus on seeking out potentially economic deposits of niobium and rare earth elements in North America and elsewhere in the world.
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