Connected Minerals (ASX:CML) has confirmed that exploration and mobilisation activities are being scaled up at the Bailundo carbonatite project in Angola.

The maiden drilling program is being operated by Frontier Group CRM, a takeover target in which Connected Minerals shareholders recently approved the acquisition of a 100% interest. Frontier currently holds an 80% stake in the project.

The Bailundo carbonatite complex spans approximately seven kilometres in diameter, ranking it among the largest known carbonatite systems that remain to be systematically evaluated for niobium (Nb) and rare earth element (REE) mineralisation. Carbonatites are the principal geological source of both niobium and rare earths globally, with the two commodities identified as critical minerals by multiple governments pursuing supply chain diversification. Niobium is primarily used in high-strength, low-alloy steels for infrastructure and transport, while rare earth elements are essential components in permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and defence applications. Current global niobium supply is heavily concentrated in Brazil, and rare earth processing is dominated by China, underscoring the strategic interest in new, large-scale carbonatite discoveries in underexplored jurisdictions.

The project is considered highly prospective for shallow, regolith-hosted mineralisation, which could support a low-strip, open-pit mining operation. The upcoming drilling campaign is designed to confirm the continuity and grade of mineralisation within the regolith.

In May 2026, internationally recognised carbonatite specialist Dr Pete Siegfried visited the project site to conduct an independent review of its geology, historical drilling records, and exploration data, and to assist in planning Frontier's next exploration phase.

His review validated Frontier's geological model and identified two distinct, surface-expressed Nb and REE target zones within the regolith and weathered carbonatite.

Dr Siegfried described Bailundo as "one of the larger, and importantly underexplored, carbonatite complexes on the planet," underscoring its significant exploration upside.

His recommendations have been integrated into the upcoming drilling programme design, including refinements to target prioritisation, drill spacing, hole orientation, and the integration of geophysical datasets to maximise effectiveness.

Connected Minerals shares closed up 13.9% at 37 cents, bringing the company's market capitalisation to approximately $18.94 million.