AuKing Mining (ASX: AKN) has signed a drilling services agreement with Thompson Resources for a minimum 5,500m program at its Tundulu Rare Earths Project in Malawi, with the RC rig scheduled to mobilise by mid-May and diamond drilling to follow in early June.

Thompson Resources is the primary drilling contractor for Lindian Resources at Kangankunde, the Malawi rare earths project that has helped drive Lindian to a market capitalisation of around A$1.5 billion. AuKing now has the same team, with the same regional experience and the same proven capability on Malawi carbonatite systems, working the rigs at Tundulu.

Contractor selection is often the difference between a program that runs to schedule and one that does not. By securing a team already operating successfully nearby, AuKing has materially de-risked the execution side of its maiden drilling campaign.

The speed of progression has been notable. Within a short window, AuKing has moved from project acquisition through to a completed airborne magnetics and LIDAR survey, the engagement of seasoned Malawi carbonatite consultants, lodgement of all licence transfer documentation with the Malawi MMRA, and now a signed drilling contract with rigs about to mobilise.

The 25 hole campaign blends RC and diamond drilling across multiple targets, including step outs, infill and three twin holes at Nathace Hill, a deep ~500m diamond hole to test vertical extent, fence holes at Tundulu Hill targeting interpreted intrusive geometry, and RC scout drilling at Kamilala Hill where surface geochemistry is running greater than 1 to 3 percent TREO.

Several news flow events are now lining up over coming weeks and months. The Malawi MMRA’s final determination on the Tundulu exploration licence transfer is expected shortly. Results from the recently completed airborne magnetics and LIDAR survey are being finalised for public release. RC rig mobilisation is targeted for mid-May, with diamond drilling to commence in early June. First assay results will follow as the program progresses.

It is worth keeping the regional context in mind. Kangankunde sits roughly 150km from Tundulu, hosts a JORC 2012 Measured and Indicated resource of 261Mt @ 2.19% TREO, and underpins Lindian’s circa $1.6 billion market capitalisation.

Mkango Resource’s Songwe Hill project, also in southern Malawi, hosts 21Mt @ 1.41% TREO.

AuKing is moving from project acquisition to active drilling at a pace that is uncommon among ASX listed juniors. The next several months should deliver steady news flow, with survey results and drilling progress all in the pipeline.