Castillo Copper’s (ASX:CCZ) BHA sample testwork shows REE promise

• Recent testwork on a sample from Castillo Copper’s (CCZ) BHA project confirms it can reliably separate rare earth elements (REE) from clay in the East Zone area
• The 20-metre sample taken from the Fence Gossan prospect produced up to three times as much REE enrichment from the head grade for a 70 per cent recovery rate
• As a result, the company’s board approved the appointment of a metallurgy specialist to complete a follow-up program
• Additionally, re-assays for the project’s Reefs Tank area suggest there may be a widespread shallow REE system across the central part of the East Zone
• CCZ shares are up 7.69 per cent to 1.4 cents at 1:39 pm AEDT

Recent testwork on a sample from Castillo Copper’s (CCZ) BHA project confirmed it could reliably separate rare earth elements (REE) from clay in the East Zone area.

According to the company, the 20-metre sample taken from its Fence Gossan prospect produced up to three times as much REE enrichment from the head grade for a 70 per cent recovery rate.

“In short, the underlying REE system is shallow, extends over at least 4.5 sqkm, delivered results up to 3491 ppm total rare earth oxides (TREO), and produced up to 38.9 per cent magnetic rare earth oxides in diamond core,” Castillo Chair Ged Hall said.

“By all accounts, this is an excellent report card ahead of exploratory work ramping up.”

Castillo Copper believes separating the REEs from clay on the prospect’s East Zone could produce higher-quality concentrates. As a result, the company’s board approved the appointment of a metallurgy specialist to help it better understand what opportunities exist for improved separation methods.

The specialist will complete a metallurgy testwork program on samples from the area to help Castillo attract more attention from possible offtake partners.

Additionally, re-assays for the project’s Reefs Tank area have been received, with values up to 2587 ppm TREO over a one-metre zone. Reportedly, the results suggest there may be a widespread shallow REE system across the central part of the project.

CCZ shares were up 7.69 per cent to 1.4 cents at 1:39 pm AEDT.