Great Western Minerals set to begin drilling Red Wine

After China announced plans to cut its exports of rare earth minerals by 30 per cent in 2011, Saskatoon-based Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. (GWMG) saw its star rise on the stock market and via inquiries about its business. The firm expects rare earth production to begin at South Africa’s Steenkampskraal mine in 2013. GWMG has signed an agreement to purchase 100 per cent of the minerals mined from the site and is currently working to fully purchase the firm that owns the property. Pictured is GWMG CEO Jim Engdahl.Photograph by: Richard Marjan, The StarPhoenixGreat

Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. said Monday the first phase of drilling on the Red Wine rare earth property in Labrador has been completed.

Highlights from the 1,906-metre drill program include consistent heavy rare earth element, heavy rare earth oxide and dysprosium enrichment at the site.

The Saskatoon company is working toward a 50 per cent interest in the property, which is owned by Alterra Resources Inc.

GWMG said more drill holes are planned for the site this year.