Catalina Resources (ASX: CTN) Kicks Off Aircore Drilling at Laverton

Key Highlights:

• Aircore drilling resumes at E38/3697 in Laverton, following significant February 2024 results.
• Best gold results include 1m @ 2.42g/t Au from 75m and 3m @ 1.07g/t Au from 49m.
• Exceptional REE intersections include 1m @ 16,426ppm TREO from 28m and 5m @ 2,777ppm TREO from 52m.
• The project is strategically located near the world-class Mt Weld REE deposit.

Catalina Resources (ASX: CTN) has commenced its next round of aircore drilling at the E38/3697 tenement in Laverton, building on the momentum from the February 2024 drilling campaign. This follow-up exploration aims to unlock further potential in what is already shaping up to be a high-value prospect for both gold and rare earth elements (REEs).

The February 2024 campaign yielded promising gold results, including 1m @ 2.42g/t Au from 75m (hole LVAC009) and 3m @ 1.07g/t Au from 49m (hole LVAC012). These mineralized intervals are associated with veining and alteration within the Barnicoat Shear Zone, a known structure that hosts gold mineralization.

Even more compelling are the REE results, with highlights such as 1m @ 16,426ppm TREO from 28m (hole LVAC023) and 5m @ 2,777ppm TREO from 52m (hole LVAC022). These intersections are particularly significant given the proximity to the Mt Weld REE mine, one of the world’s highest-grade REE deposits. Catalina's discoveries in intrusive rocks just 2km from this world-class deposit suggest the potential for similar REE mineralization within its tenements.

Source: CTN ASX Announcement 

The drilling is also testing several small-diameter bullseye aeromagnetic anomalies, which may represent carbonatite bodies, similar to the Mt Weld carbonatite that hosts extensive REE mineralization. Early findings have shown great promise, with both gold and REE targets likely to play a significant role in the development of this exploration project.

As the exploration progresses, Catalina is positioning itself to become a key player in the Laverton Gold Province, an area renowned for its mineral wealth. With world-class deposits such as Sunrise Dam, Wallaby, and Mt Weld located nearby, the company is set to benefit from the region's rich mineral endowment.

Catalina Resources continues to explore, with the potential for more discoveries and further validation of these early promising results. The strategic positioning and strong drilling results position the company as one to watch in the global search for critical minerals.