Detailed Sampling Supports Additional Cobalt Anomalies at Kunene and Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Planned
Press Release
Namibia Rare Earths Inc.
Detailed Sampling Supports Additional Cobalt Anomalies at
Kunene and Airborne Electromagnetic Survey Planned
• Cobalt anomalies from detailed analyses of 3,710 archived soil samples
have been received which support kilometer-scale cobalt anomalies in all
target areas at Kunene
• Geochemical anomalies identified over Western Targets, Okanihova
lineament, Steilrand lineament and along portions of interpreted D OF
Extension
• Targets are spread out over 670 km 2 and a detailed airborne
electromagnetic survey is planned to assist in drill target prioritization
Halifax, Nova Scotia March 26, 2018 – Namibia Rare Earths Inc. (“Namibia Rare Earths” or
the “Company”) (TSXV:NRE) today announced that it has received further positive results
from analyses of 3,710 archived soil samples on the Kunene Cobalt -Copper Project in
northern Namibia . These results augment previously announc ed results over the western
half of the project area (company press release March 5, 2018) which supported kilometer-
scale cobalt anomalies identified from a historic regional geochemical survey. These
additional results support similar large -scale cobalt anomalies in the eastern half of the
project area. The project area comprises a mixture of rugged and covered terrain and a
detailed combined electromagnetic (“EM”) and magnetic airborne survey is being planned to
assist in drill target prioritization.
Namibia Rare Earths is conducting systematic exploration over an area of 2,142 km2 west of
the newly discovered stratabound Co-Cu discovery of Celsius Resources at Opuwo (Figure
1). Three target areas for cobalt were defined on the Namibia Rare Earths ground within a
670 km 2 portion of the project area , based on results from soil geochemical surveys by
previous workers exploring for copper in 201 4 at a regional-scale sample spacing of 1
kilometer (Company press release February 21, 2018) . Samples from those surveys were
analysed by ICP, which is an acceptable analytical method for cobalt . Subsequent , more
detailed sampling along selected lines at a spacing of 100 m utiliz ed handheld XRF data ,
which provided reliable data for copper and other metals but was not reliable for cobalt. NRE
is systematically re -analysing this archived database of over 12,000 soil samples to obtain
reliable data on cobalt. The r egional anomalies are being supported by these repeat
analyses of archived samples using ICP analytical methods for cobalt.
Regional Cobalt Anomalies Confirmed in the Eastern Half
New results show a number of discrete broad anomalies (>30 ppm Co) of 0.5-1 kilometer
extent on surveyed lines south of the Okanihova lineament, and two lower level anomalies
(17-30 ppm Co) of 4 –5 kilometers in length parallel to the Steilrand lineament. Isolated
low-level cobalt anomalies occur along or proximal to, the interpreted Eastern Extension of
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Figure 1 – Kunene Co -Cu Project Area showing principal targets associated with DOF Horizon, structural
lineaments, and r egional soil geochemical anomalies (cobalt). Detailed results confirming cobalt anomalies in the
eastern half shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2 – Comparison of cobalt ICP soil anomalies from regional grid sampled over the eastern half in 2014 (left)
and from detailed grid reported March 26, 2018 (right). Regional sample lines are 1 km apart with sample spacing
of 1 km. Detailed grid sample lines are 1 km apart with alternating sample spacing of 500 m and 100 m along
sample lines. Sampling gaps on detailed grid due to missing samples in archive.
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the DOF horizon which has been shown to be min eralized on the adjacent ground being
explored by Celsius Resources. Comparison of the regional survey results at 1 kilometer
spacing with the more detailed results obtained by Namibia Rare Earths over the eastern
half of the project area are shown in Figu re 2. As previously announced, the Western
Targets area anomalies extend over strike lengths of up to 7 kilometers in basement rocks
(high grade metamorphic gneisses and amphibolites) proximal to thrust contacts with
younger sedimentary rocks, and for over 1-3 kilometers in favourable sedimentary horizons
(black shales and dolostones). Basement- related anomalies (20 -50 ppm Co) can be quite
broad, up to 2 kilometers wide, and are related to large -scale alteration systems. Cobalt
anomalies are lower level (20-30 ppm) in sedimentary horizons and more restricted which is
consistent with the exploration model developed for the stratabound Dolostone Ore
Formation (“DOF”) Co-Cu targets which may be only 5 -10 m in thickness and occur in black
shales and dolostone horizons.
Sample preparation and analyses were carried out by Activation Laboratories Ltd.
(Windhoek, Namibia and Ancaster, Ontario) employing appropriate ICP techniques and
following strict internal QAQC procedures inserting standards and duplicates.
Recommended Airborne Electromagnetic Survey
Mineralization at Kunene is widespread and variable in style, occurring in discrete
sedimentary horizons such as the DOF where Co -Cu is associated with disseminations and
veinlets of sulphide minerals, orogenic copper, and stratabound Zn -Pb mineralization. Many
of the occurrences in the eastern half are spatially related to what has been interpreted as a
large hydrothermal center termed the Steilrand hydrothermal system . Given the frequent
association of Co -Cu and Pb -Zn mineralization with sulphides, the pr olific number of cobalt
anomalies, and kilometric scale trends it has been recommended that a helicopter time
domain electromagnetic survey be flown at a flight line spacing of 200 meters across the
entire belt covering the Western Targets, the Steilrand l ineament, the Okanihova lineament
and the Steilrand hydrothermal system.
The objectives of the airborne EM survey will be to refine geological and structural mapping,
to delineate conductive sedimentary horizons, to isolate conductive bodies that may be
indicative of near surface mineral deposits, and to detect sulphide deposits and stockworks
at depth. The Company is currently evaluating available EM systems and scheduling options.
Field teams continue to conduct geological mapping and rock sampling over the anomalous
areas.
The Kunene project area is contiguous with ground being actively explored for cobalt b y
ASX-listed Celsius Resources (Figure 1). The recognition of stratabound cobalt
mineralization associated with low grade copper and zinc mineralization in black shales in
the Kunene region by Gecko Exploration has formed the cornerstone of Celsius Resourc es’
current drilling program at Opuwo. Celsius is undertaking a 15,000 m drilling program to
develop a JORC compliant mineral resource to support their stated “Initial Exploration
Target of between 33 and 41 million tonnes, grading approximately 0.13% - 0.17% cobalt
and 0.45% - 0.65% copper” (Celsius press release dated May 18, 2017). It is noted that the
mineralization on the Celsius property may not be indicative of mineralization that may be
found on the Kunene project area held by Namibia Rare Earths.
Donald M. Burton, P.Geo. and President of Namibia Rare Earths Inc., is the Company’s
Qualified Person and has reviewed and approved this press release.
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About Namibia Rare Earths Inc.
Namibia Rare Earths Inc. is focused on the accelerated development of the Lofdal Rare
Earths Project and on building a critical metals portfolio in Nam ibia. The common shares of
Namibia Rare Earths Inc. trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “NRE”.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that
term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility
for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
For more information please contact -
Namibia Rare Earths Inc.
Don Burton, President
Tel: +01 (902) 835-8760
Fax: +01 (902) 835-8761
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.NamibiaRareEarths.com
The foregoing information may contain forward -looking information relating to the future performance of Namibia Rare Earths Inc. Forward -
looking information, specifically, that concerning future performance, is subject to certain risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ
materially. These risks and uncertainties are detailed from time to time in the Company's filings with the appropriate securities commissions.
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