Texas Rare Earth Resources has contracted Gustavson Associates to conduct a scoping study at the Round Top rare earth project in Texas, US.

The scoping study is expected to provide the required environmental baseline analysis, archaeological study and clarify land requirements of the project.

The study will also provide mapping and testing of water sources while defining the boundaries of the project.

According to independent reports, the Round Top project is estimated to contain about 1.6 billion metric tonnes of rhyolite host rock, containing rare earth minerals with potentially a 70% ratio of heavy to total rare earth minerals.

The study is expected to be completed by mid-2012.