en.Wedoany.com Reported - AE Fuels (TSX-V:AEF) has completed the acquisition of the vein mining rights to the Sadler Mine, consolidating two of the largest historical fluorspar producers within the company's Fluorite Ridge Project in New Mexico, USA.
The acquisition brings the Sadler Mine together with the Greenleaf Mine under the company's full control within its Luna County project area. Together, the two mines cover 85 mineral claims spanning approximately 1,756 acres, creating a district-scale brownfield exploration opportunity.
The Sadler Mine was discovered in 1909 and operated intermittently until 1947. Historical development records indicate the mine featured two shafts, multiple underground levels, and stopes extending to a reported depth of 180 feet. Select material from the upper workings historically reported approximately 90% calcium fluoride (CaF₂), while material from the lower workings was visually estimated to contain approximately 50% to 70% CaF₂. A 1946 report noted that mineralization remained open to the southwest and at depth.
Company CEO Gary Lewis stated that integrating the Sadler and Greenleaf mines transforms the Fluorite Ridge Project "from a collection of individual historical workings into a unified brownfield district." He noted that the former mines provide established starting points, while the broader land position gives the company the opportunity to test the geological relationships between them and identify mineralization that previous operators were unable to pursue due to equipment or power limitations.
Historical reports describe a structurally controlled fissure vein system at the Sadler Mine containing multiple fault orientations, cross-cutting structures, and breccia zones. Up to approximately ten veins were reported, with primary development focused on Veins No. 1 and No. 2.
The company has initiated a comprehensive exploration assessment, integrating LiDAR, aeromagnetic and aeroradiometric data, satellite imagery, high-resolution aerial photography, historical mine records, and geochemical results to determine whether the known mines are part of a larger mineralized system. Concurrently, AE Fuels has begun preliminary mineralogical and processing development work utilizing retained coarse assay rejects and other available sample materials. The initial program will evaluate crushing and grinding response, particle size characteristics, and preliminary separation or flotation performance.
