- 016,000m RC/DD at Bailundo for Nb/REE.
- 02Nb S zone ~2,500m; REE N zone ~3,000m(+500m scout)
- 03Maiden JORC on track; Frontier CRM 80%.
Connected Minerals (ASX: CML) is preparing to begin a reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling (DD) program of approximately 6,000 metres at its Bailundo carbonatite project in Angola, marking the first systematic resource drilling across the complex.
The program will test two large surface-expressed target areas for niobium and rare earth elements (REE) that were validated through an independent geological review of the project, historical drilling, and exploration data.
Drilling contracts have been executed and site establishment is underway as Connected works to complete its shareholder-approved acquisition of Frontier Group CRM, which holds an 80% interest in Bailundo.
The 99 planned holes across the two priority zones will predominantly test shallow mineralisation at nominal depths of about 50m to 75m, with final collars, orientations and depths to be finalised.
Connected aims to complete drilling before the November 2026 wet season, although preparation of a Mineral Resource Estimate remains subject to drilling results, geological continuity, mineralogical, petrographic, and metallurgical studies, as well as a Competent Person review.
Two Targets Driving Program
The southern niobium zone will receive about 2,500m of RC and DD across a 22.5-hectare iron-rich carbonatite target carrying elevated niobium pentoxide soil anomalies, with the closer spacing reflecting its more advanced geological understanding and priority for resource definition.
A further 3,000m will systematically test a 162-hectare northern REE target on broader spacing intended to establish the continuity and extent of mineralisation before any future infill campaign, with Connected allocating an additional 500m of RC scout drilling to potential new targets identified through the interpretation of recently completed ground geophysical surveys.
RC drilling will rapidly assess shallow continuity across the priority areas, while selected diamond holes will supply structural, density, lithological, metallurgical, and geological information needed for future resource estimation.
“Exploration at Bailundo is now moving decisively from planning into execution,” chief executive officer Stephen Wetherall said.
“The upcoming program will be the first systematic drilling and evaluation program of what we believe is one of the world's largest and most underexplored carbonatite complexes and represents an important step towards defining a maiden JORC mineral resource.”
Geophysics Sharpen Drill Design
Consultant GeoFocus has completed ground-penetrating radar and electrical resistivity tomography surveys across the targets, with interpretation well advanced and a high-resolution drone magnetic survey nearing completion.
The integrated datasets will seek to refine the geometry and thickness of the weathered carbonatite profile, identify prospective zones of residual mineral enrichment, and optimise final drill positions and depths.
Mobilisation work includes a secured warehouse for equipment and drill core, offices, staff accommodation, drill pad clearing, and road preparation, while local geologists, administrators, and a provincial manager have joined the in-country team.
Connected has engaged national, provincial and traditional authorities ahead of drilling and reports strong support from government and community stakeholders as environmental approvals, regulatory registrations and operational requirements progress.
The company remains in discussions to acquire data from historical exploration conducted between 2010 and 2014, but the planned drilling is not dependent on that acquisition.
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