Connected Minerals ramps up drilling at Angola's Bailundo carbonatite, with specialist review confirming two niobium and REE target areas.
Connected Minerals (ASX:CML) has confirmed exploration and mobilisation activities are being ramped up at the Bailundo carbonatite project in Angola. The program is being operated by takeover target Frontier Group CRM, which holds an 80% interest in the project. Connected shareholders have recently approved the acquisition of 100% of Frontier.
The Bailundo carbonatite complex extends over seven km in diameter, making it one of the largest known carbonatite systems yet to be systematically evaluated for niobium (Nb) and rare earth element (REE) mineralisation.
The project is considered highly prospective for shallow, regolith-hosted mineralisation, providing the potential for a low-strip, open-pit mining operation. The upcoming drilling program is designed to confirm the extent of continuity and grade of mineralisation within the regolith.
In May 2026, internationally recognised carbonatite specialist Dr Pete Siegfried visited the project to independently review its geology, historical drilling and exploration data, and assist with planning Frontier's next phase of exploration. The review validated Frontier's geological interpretation and confirmed two distinct, surface-expressed Nb and REE target areas within the regolith and weathered carbonatite.
Dr Siegfried described Bailundo as "one of the larger, and importantly underexplored, carbonatite complexes on the planet", highlighting its significant exploration potential. His recommendations have been incorporated into the design of the upcoming drilling programme, refining target prioritisation, drill spacing, hole orientation, and the integration of geophysical datasets to maximise the programme's effectiveness.
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