Based on earlier geochemical sampling results the applications are considered highly prospective for tantalite mineralisation, the company said.

One of the areas is 10km from the Greenbushes tantalite mine, the world’s largest tantalite deposit, operated by Sons of Gwalia. The other two south-west applications are also situated on a common north-east trend 50km and 100km respectively to the north-east of Greenbushes.

Tantalite is the source of tantalum, for which demand is increasing due to its use in mobile phones and other electronic devices.

WA currently accounts for about 50% of world tantalum production.

Sons of Gwalia chief executive Peter Lalor recently told MiningNews.net that even with a further $100 million investment in SOG’s tantalite operation demand would still outstrip supply.