The site is known for its rich rare earth elements (REEs) and niobium mineralisation. Credit: Mr. Tempter/Shutterstock.

DY6 Metals has obtained a licence for its Tundulu rare earth project from the Malawian Department of Mines.

The company noted that the project site encompasses several hills, with Nathace Hill at the centre.

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Located in southern Malawi, the Tundulu project is a carbonatite complex known for its rich REEs and niobium mineralisation.

The primary site of interest, Nathace Hill, has been the focus of historic surface sampling and drilling, revealing a geology abundant in REE apatite, REE carbonatites and feldspathic breccia.

Surrounding hills like Tundulu Hill to the east and Makhanga Hill to the west also present carbonatite deposits, previously unexplored and prospective for REEs.

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The mineralisation at Nathace Hill remains open towards the south and west, suggesting the potential for an extended mineralised area.

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Initial assessments indicate that the mineralisation at Tundulu is high in valuable middle REEs and has low levels of radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium.

To further evaluate the project’s potential, DY6 has engaged Perth-based Met Chem Consulting for an initial metallurgical review. This review will revisit historical testwork and analyse findings from a 2017 metallurgical report.

DY6’s test work will initially focus on validating previous laboratory results, particularly those related to the beneficiation of the ore.

Subsequently, the company will optimise key parameters in grinding and flotation reagent processes to enhance the grade and recovery of rare earth and phosphate host minerals.

In a statement, DY6 said: “Conducting test work at this early stage enables the company to ascertain the preliminary viability of producing two product streams; a REE commercially saleable concentrate and a mixed phosphate concentrate containing rare earths.

“A scope of work has been prepared by Met Chem and will be submitted to various Perth-based laboratories with suitable experience with the intent to commence the testwork early in H2.

“The testwork programme will run in parallel with other key development workstreams by DY6, including a comprehensive litho-geochemical sampling programme, to unlock the significant potential of this rare earth carbonatite project.”