Connected Minerals (ASX: CML) is preparing to begin a reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling (DD) program of approximately 6,000 metres at its Bailundo carbonatite project in Angola, marking the first systematic resource drilling across the complex. The program will test two large surface-expressed target areas for niobium and rare earth elements (REE) that were validated through an independent geological review of the project, historical drilling, and exploration data. Drilling contracts have been executed and site establishment is underway as Connected works to complete its shareholder-approved acquisition of Frontier Group CRM, which holds an 80% interest in Bailundo. Connected aims to complete drilling before the November 2026 wet season, although preparation of a Mineral Resource Estimate remains subject to drilling results, geological continuity, mineralogical, petrographic, and metallurgical studies, as well as a Competent Person review. RC drilling will rapidly assess shallow continuity across the priority areas, while selected diamond holes will supply structural, density, lithological, metallurgical, and geological information needed for future resource estimation.