Dateline Resources has made significant strides in its exploration efforts at the Colosseum gold and rare earths project in California. A recent 3D magnetotelluric (MT) inversion survey has validated the existence of a promising carbonatite rare earths target. This confirmation follows a previous geophysical breakthrough, enhancing the project’s potential for a major rare earths discovery.
Located near the MP Materials Mountain Pass mine, the Colosseum project has gained attention from United States authorities. Former President Donald Trump previously described it as the country’s “second rare earths mine,” reinforcing its importance in bolstering the U.S. supply of critical minerals. The advanced ModEM inversion, conducted by renowned geophysicist Kate Selway at Vox Geosciences, corroborates earlier findings from Viridien Geophysics, both indicating a significant resistive anomaly that extends from the surface to about 1,000 metres deep. This anomaly suggests a potential for carbonatite-hosted rare earths similar to those found at Mountain Pass.
The geological characteristics of the anomaly are compelling, marked by a gravity high and magnetic low. These features mirror those of the world-class Mountain Pass mine. With two different models from separate code analyses lending confidence to the target, experts have declared it “ready for drilling.” Major Drilling is expected to mobilize its rigs in the coming weeks, focusing on a 2,200N target area that has not been previously drilled. This area presents a unique opportunity for a rare earths discovery, separate from the project’s historical focus on gold.
Managing Director Stephen Baghdadi expressed enthusiasm about the new modelling results, stating, “This new modelling, conducted by two highly skilled groups, using different analysis software and inversion modelling methods, has confirmed the exciting 2,200N rare earth target.” He added that the company looks forward to drilling both their new rare earths and gold targets, aiming to enhance shareholder value.
While the potential for rare earths is gaining momentum, Dateline Resources maintains a focus on its core gold resource at Colosseum, which stands at 27.1 million tonnes grading 1.26 grams per tonne, equating to approximately 1.1 million ounces of gold. The company is progressing with a bankable feasibility study (BFS), with ongoing infill and extensional drilling contributing to mine design. Additionally, a review of six breccia pipe gold targets, identified in August, is currently underway to refine drilling plans.
The alignment of Dateline’s dual-track strategy—advancing gold production while pursuing rare earths exploration—positions the company as a strategic player in the critical minerals sector. The proximity of the Colosseum project to Mountain Pass enhances its significance, particularly as demand for rare earths escalates in the United States.
With a robust financial position, Dateline Resources holds $35 million in funds from a recent capital raise, providing ample resources for its exploration campaign and future initiatives. As gold prices remain elevated and the demand for rare earths continues to surge, the Colosseum project is emerging as a promising opportunity for Dateline Resources.
