Apollo Minerals Limited has announced a significant advancement in its exploration efforts at the Couflens Tungsten-Gold Project in France, following the completion of a detailed airborne geophysical survey in partnership with the French Geological Survey (BRGM). This survey is part of the broader Inventaire des Ressources Minérales (IRM Project), aimed at enhancing the understanding of France’s mineral resources and securing access to critical raw materials essential for the energy and digital transitions.
The Couflens project, which includes the historically significant Salau mine, is strategically important for France’s supply chains. The Salau mine was once one of the highest-grade tungsten operations globally, with mining grades averaging 1.5% WO3 during its operational years from 1971 to 1986. The recent geophysical survey covered a total of 180 line kilometres, focusing on key areas within Couflens, including the priority target trend that hosts the Salau mine.
The results from this survey are expected to be processed in the coming months and will significantly aid in refining geological models and exploration targeting. The IRM Project, supported by the French Government’s 2030 investment plan and the European Union’s Critical Raw Materials Act, aims to bolster the exploration of potential ore deposits and ensure the availability of critical raw materials for future industrial needs.
BRGM’s Director General, Ms. Catherine Lagneau, highlighted the importance of the IRM Project in securing raw materials necessary for ecological transitions, while Apollo Minerals’ Managing Director, Mr. Neil Inwood, expressed gratitude for the collaboration with BRGM, which will enhance the understanding of the geological context of the deposit and refine exploration models.
As part of future exploration programs, Apollo Minerals plans to conduct a low-impact underground drill program targeting the Véronique zone, aiming to expand known mineralisation areas and assess the mineralised width of the deposit. The Couflens area, located in the Ariège department near the Spanish border, encompasses a 42km2 exploration licence and is seen as a vital asset for France’s mineral resource strategy. The Salau deposit, discovered in the early 1960s, has a rich history of tungsten production, making it a focal point for ongoing exploration efforts.
