Replies to post #658 on Rare Earth Metals

[Spartacus77]

Great Western Minerals Group Completes First Phase of Steenkampskraal Rare Earth Evaluation Program
Last Update: 1/30/2012 9:25:43 AM


SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN, Jan 30, 2012 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. ("GWMG" or the "Company") (tsx venture:GWG) (otcqx:GWMGF) is pleased to announce that it has completed the first phase of the exploration program at the Company's Steenkampskraal rare earth property in South Africa.

These investigations have two primary goals; firstly, to provide information in support of a fully compliant National Instrument 43-101 resource estimate report and secondly, to focus on a possible expansion of the resource at Steenkampskraal through testing the down-dip extension of the main structure. The program included 39 diamond drillholes totaling 3,780 meters. This included 17 holes for resource delineation (1,932 meters) and 22 holes dedicated to metallurgical sampling (1,848 meters).

Within the resource evaluation component of the drill program, 17 HQ drillholes were completed. Four holes did not intercept obvious mineralization, likely due to the pinch and swell of the vein system. 125 of 143 samples of monazite and mineralized host rock have been shipped to SGS Lakefield in Canada ("SGS") for assay. Additionally, 133 of 173 underground channel samples of monazite and mineralized host rock collected from throughout the three levels of the mine, undertaken as a verification of Anglo American's work prior to the mine closure with the same survey control points, have been sent to SGS for assay. 353 representative samples collected from throughout the historical tailings dams and 78 representative samples from throughout the historical lower grade rock dumps were also shipped to SGS for assay.

Within the metallurgical mini-bulk sampling component of the program, 22 HQ drillholes were completed in 2011 providing 172 kilograms of monazite. An additional 534 kilograms of monazite were recently collected from underground in-situ mineralization through channel sampling in the historic mine workings. The combined 706 kilograms of representative material was shipped to Mintek of Johannesburg, South Africa ("Mintek") for metallurgical characterization as of today. As well, 350 kilograms of representative vein ore and host rock that was collected from underground sites will be shipped to Mintek today for XRF recognition trials. Previously, 2,087 kilograms of tailings dam and rock dump material had been sent to Mintek for metallurgical characterization in November 2011.

Assay results will be reported as they are received from the laboratories.

Brent Jellicoe, B.Sc., P.Geo, Director of International Exploration for GWMG, is the Qualified Person responsible for reviewing the contents of this news release.

[Spartacus77]

More capacity that is all customer driven, what an opportunity and they want more capacity as we speak, that's why the second will come about in 2012.

GREAT WESTERN MINERALS GROUP'S LCM SUCCESSFULLY
COMPLETES FIRST POUR WITH NEW RARE EARTH FURNACE

January 31, 2012 - Saskatoon, Canada: Great Western Minerals Group Ltd. ("GWMG" or the "Company", TSX:V – GWG) is pleased to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, Less Common Metals ("LCM"), has successfully carried out the first full-scale melt with LCM's newly acquired furnace. The first pour was undertaken on Friday, January 27, 2012 at LCM’s new plant located in Hooton Park in Birkenhead, United Kingdom.

The installation of the new furnace, which began in November, 2011 and was completed by mid-January, 2012, was undertaken by a team comprised of engineers from the furnace supplier alongside LCM personnel. After extensive testing of the power, water, vacuum and control systems, the furnace was approved to commence melting trials of Neodymium-Iron-Boron alloys for permanent magnet applications.

The subsequent trials, which will continue into February, will focus on the production of alloys that fully conform to detailed customer specifications.

GWMG President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Engdahl said, "The success of the first round of testing with LCM’s new furnace speaks highly of the level of expertise that resides within the team at LCM. The first pour with the new furnace is a significant step forward in the continued advancement of our "mines to markets" strategy as it increases our alloy production capacity by almost 50%. The newly acquired furnace positions our Company to further satisfy the requirements of our global customer base and, in the process, solidify the position of GWMG as a pre-eminent global supplier of rare earth products."

Photos and a brief video of the first pour with LCM's new furnace can be seen on the GWMG website at www.gwmg.ca/lcm-first-pour.