THE WATEX™ MINERAL MAPPING SOLUTION FOR RARE EARTHS EXPLORATION IN MADAGASCAR (2010)
With the WATEX™ Mineral Mapping solution, it is possible to gain a thorough understanding of subsurface geology, particularly in relation to geothermal sites, which is crucial for the exploration of Rare Earths and Lithium.
CONTEXT
The considerable geological and geochemical work achieved by specialists involved in exploration since 1912 lead to the understanding that orebodies from this area of Madagascar are more related to carbonatites intrusions rather than pegmatites.
Their Rare Earths Elements (REE) components share similar characteristics with the Mountain Pass Carbonatites of Nevada, USA.
The sum of REE of these sites ranges from 4 to 12 % and are composed of oxides of Cerium (40–45 %), Lanthanum (33–41 %), Neodymium (11–14 %) with a considerable content of Scandium (0.63–5.10 %). Oxides of Praseodymium, Samarium, Europium, Cadmium, Dysprosium and Erbium are present, as well as negligible quantities of Holmium, Thulium, Ytterbium and Lutetium.
FIELD EXPLORATION & DATA INTERPRETATION
The potential reserves are already attractive because they are easily accessible by road and can be exploited by open cast mine with access to water all year.
RTI delivered reports and optimized recommendations to drill, thanks to the WATEX™ system, in order to have a better appreciation of the ore grade.
Learn more about our WATEX™ Mineral Mapping projects and discover how we can assist your company by contacting us today!
