Aldoro Resources Kameelburg has returned 354.2 metres of continuous mineralisation from its Phase II drilling programme at the Kameelburg REE-niobium-strontium carbonatite project in central Namibia — and the system remains open at depth and along strike, the company confirmed alongside a N$55.08 million (US$3.27 million) funding agreement.
Aldoro Resources (ASX: ARN) completed 15 diamond drill holes totalling 7,190 metres during the programme. The standout intercept, from hole DD004F, included 57 metres at 1.85% TREO, 5.56% SrCO₃ and 0.16% Nb₂O₅ from surface — grades consistent with an economically significant carbonatite system.
Aldoro Resources Kameelburg: What the Drilling Shows
The mineralised system is centred on a 1.4km² magnetic anomaly. Phase II drilling tested multiple flanks and margins: hole DD003A on the northern flank returned high-grade niobium results that the company describes as a potentially standalone niobium domain, while hole DD018A on the southern margin intersected two thick stacked mineralised layers with elevated TREO and strontium carbonate grades.
An updated Mineral Resource Estimate is in preparation. For the first time, it will incorporate strontium carbonate alongside the existing rare earth and niobium resource components — a material change to the project’s economic case.
Strontium carbonate is classified as a critical raw material by both the European Union and India. Approximately 70% of global strontium reserves are concentrated in China, Mexico and Iran — a supply profile that draws obvious parallels with the rare earth elements it accompanies at Kameelburg.
Metallurgical Results Support Low-Cost Processing
Metallurgical testwork verified a 98.96% strontium extraction rate using a hydrochloric acid leach at ambient temperature — approximately 21°C — within 120 minutes. The process requires neither high pressure nor elevated heat. The strontium host mineral, ancylite, dissolves directly in acid, which Aldoro suggests could underpin a relatively straightforward and low-cost processing route.
Testing was independently verified by ALS Metallurgy Services. Earlier rock chip sampling across the carbonatite returned TREO values averaging 1.0% and up to 5.56%, with Nb₂O₅ peaking at 4.75% — though resource estimates will be based on drill-defined intersections rather than surface sampling.
US$3.27m Funding Backs Next Phase
The funding agreement, backed by the Pioneer Development Fund, covers approximately N$55.08 million in underwritten options exercisable at N$4.25 each before 9 September 2026. Chairperson Quinn Li described the capital as securing the next phase of work at the project.
Kameelburg is an atypical junior development story in one respect: its multi-commodity architecture — REE, niobium and strontium — from a single carbonatite body provides three separate demand pathways. Niobium is used primarily in high-strength steel alloys; strontium carbonate in ferrite permanent magnets and pyrotechnics; rare earths predominantly in NdFeB magnets for EV drivetrains and wind turbines.
For context on the broader Africa REE landscape, Tanzania’s Ngualla deposit — the subject of a detailed profile on Peak Rare Earths and the Ngualla project — is among the highest-grade NdPr carbonatite deposits outside China. Kameelburg is at an earlier stage but is demonstrating comparable mineralised system scale.
Aldoro is also featured in our rankings of the top rare earth junior stocks to watch and the top ASX rare earth stocks.
Full technical disclosures are available on the Aldoro Resources investor relations page. Strontium’s critical mineral classification is documented by the USGS Mineral Resources program.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Prices and project data are subject to change without notice.
What is the Kameelburg project?
Kameelburg is a carbonatite-hosted rare earth element, niobium and strontium project in central Namibia, operated by Aldoro Resources (ASX: ARN). Phase II drilling has identified 354.2 metres of continuous mineralisation, with the system remaining open at depth and along strike.
What rare earth grades has Aldoro reported at Kameelburg?
Key intercepts include 57 metres at 1.85% TREO, 5.56% SrCO₃ and 0.16% Nb₂O₅ from surface. Earlier rock chip sampling returned TREO values averaging 1.0% across the carbonatite and up to 5.56% at peak.
Is strontium a rare earth element?
No. Strontium is an alkaline earth metal, not a rare earth element. However, it frequently occurs alongside REE mineralisation in carbonatite deposits. Both the EU and India classify strontium as a critical raw material, with around 70% of global reserves in China, Mexico and Iran.
Where is the Kameelburg project located in Namibia?
Kameelburg is located in central Namibia. The mineralised system is centred on a 1.4km² magnetic anomaly and has been tested across its northern flank, southern margin and at depth through 15 Phase II diamond drill holes totalling 7,190 metres.
What funding has Aldoro secured for Kameelburg?
Aldoro has signed an underwriting agreement worth approximately N$55.08 million (US$3.27 million), backed by the Pioneer Development Fund. The options are exercisable at N$4.25 each before 9 September 2026.
