Lion Rock Minerals Confirms Expansion of Major Rutile System at Minta. A Developing Mineral Sands Project.
- Noel Ong
- Aug 22
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 1
Announcement: Major Expansion of the Minta Rutile Project
Lion Rock Minerals Limited (ASX: LRM), formerly called Peak Minerals Limited (ASX: PUA), has reported further high-grade heavy mineral (HM) assay results from the Minta Rutile Project in central Cameroon. This confirms the expansion of what is shaping up to be a globally significant rutile system. The defined mineralised footprint has now grown to approximately 2,125km² within a broader 3,500km² target area. This reinforces the scale and continuity of rutile-rich mineralisation (Figure 1).
This is the first modern exploration in the Minton #Titaniuma region. The Company has employed a cost-efficient hand-auger drilling program to target near-surface rutile. This method is widely recognised in the global heavy mineral sands industry. It is particularly effective in the residual soils of Minta, enabling rapid, systematic coverage of vast areas while maintaining low operational costs. The approach is already delivering consistent results, confirming the geological continuity and high-value potential across multiple target zones.
Figure 1: Results further confirm the scale of the mineralised zone1 at Minta Rutile Project. (source: LRM)
Highlights - A Mineral Sands Project Enriched in Rutile
Continuous High-Grade HM Mineralisation
Every one of the 330 drill holes completed to date has intersected heavy mineralisation. Key intercepts from the latest 52 drill holes include:
4.0m @ 8.0% HM from 3m
5.8m @ 3.5% HM from surface
5.0m @ 3.9% HM from 4m
Extensive Drilling and Assays Pending
A total of 552 holes have now been drilled, with assays pending for 222 holes. Broad reconnaissance spacing is being used to locate high-value zones, which will be targeted in upcoming infill drilling.
Minta Est – Monazite, Zircon, and Rutile
Fieldwork at Minta Est has confirmed strong monazite, zircon, and rutile mineralisation in residual soils. This aligns with earlier panned sample results from nearby artisanal gold workings. The presence of exceptionally coarse monazite and abundant rutile with minimal gangue has been described as highly encouraging.
Alluvial Channel Targeting
Reconnaissance sampling has confirmed well-washed heavy minerals and visible gold in certain zones. Some areas host thick, high-grade HM intervals. These will undergo detailed mineralogical analysis to assess mining potential.
Oversize Rutile Contribution
Samples from priority areas are being analysed to assess the contribution of oversize rutile to overall HM grades. There is potential for a material uplift in in-situ rutile content.
Lion Rock Chief Executive Officer, Casper Adson, commented:
“These results further confirm that Minta hosts a massive, high-grade rutile system, with strong geological continuity and clear targets for follow-up exploration. The fact that heavy mineralisation has been intersected in every hole drilled to date underscores the consistency and scale of the system.”
Lion Rock Competent Person and Technical Manager, Richard Stockwell, added:
“Our systematic approach is already highlighting regions with elevated concentrations of high-value minerals. The challenge now is to identify the highest value areas from the outset in this highly prospective province.”
Field Sampling Confirms High-Value Mineralisation at Minta
Results further confirm the scale of the mineralised zone at the Minta Rutile Project. This underscores the continuity and extent of high-value rutile-rich mineralisation (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Collecting roadside samples in Cameroon. (source: LRM)
The exploration team is seen collecting roadside samples in Cameroon. This is an important step in ground-truthing the latest exploration model and refining target areas (Figure 3).
Figure 3: Panned sample from MRGR0039 at Minta Est shows ~10% monazite within ~2% heavy minerals, with coarse rutile particles visible. (source: LRM)
A panned sample from Minta Est reveals a visible band of approximately 10% monazite within ~2% heavy minerals. Coarse rutile particles are clearly identifiable (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Peak Minerals’ exploration team collecting roadside sample as referred to in Figure 3. (source: LRM)
Next Steps
Mineralogical analysis of sand and oversize heavy minerals in priority areas is currently underway. Residual drill hole samples will soon be assessed for mineralogy. Preliminary mining studies are progressing on high-value alluvial targets, complemented by planned wet table trials across both residual and alluvial zones. An exploration target for the alluvial setting is anticipated by September 2025. Meanwhile, priority monazite, rutile, and zircon targets will guide infill drilling programs aimed at delivering a maiden JORC Mineral Resource Estimate in 2026.
In parallel, planning is advancing for the establishment of a dedicated Heavy Mineral Sands laboratory in Yaoundé. All exploration activities through 2025 and into 2026 are fully funded.
Minta Rutile Project – Background
The Minta Project spans 8,800km² over 18 granted permits (plus 3 under application) in a highly under-explored rutile province. Early-stage work has delineated areas of high-grade rutile, monazite, zircon, and gold in both alluvial and residual settings. Large angular rutile nuggets have also been discovered, which could materially boost total valuable heavy mineral grades.
Samso Concluding Comments
The Minta Rutile Project is quickly establishing itself as a standout in the global mineral sands sector. The sheer scale of confirmed mineralisation – with every drill hole intersecting heavy minerals – is a rare and compelling feature. This level of geological consistency, combined with high-value mineral assemblages, places Minta in a strong position to emerge as a world-class rutile asset.
The presence of monazite, zircon, and coarse rutile within both residual and alluvial settings adds depth to the project’s potential value streams. These accessory minerals are highly sought after in advanced technology, clean energy, and industrial markets. This enhances the overall strategic significance of the discovery.
Lion Rock Minerals' decision to employ low-cost, hand-auger drilling has proven efficient and effective. This enables the systematic coverage of a vast landholding. This approach ensures that exploration is both comprehensive and cost-controlled, creating a solid foundation for long-term project development.
With all exploration activities fully funded and clear milestones ahead – including the September 2025 alluvial target release and the maiden JORC Mineral Resource in 2026 – the next 12 months will be pivotal. The market will be watching closely as Minta moves from large-scale exploration success towards resource definition and potential development.
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