Narryer Metals (ASX:NYM) launched the next phase of exploration and metallurgical studies at the Rocky Gully project in Western Australia, following drilling results received late last year, according to a Thursday filing with the Australian bourse.

Works will focus on recent geophysical targets, drilling to better define higher-grade scandium and rare earth element mineralization at the Ivar prospect and exploring beyond the area, the filing said.

An Ultrafine+ soil program will also be completed this month, which will be used to inform upcoming air-core drilling, per the filing.

Shares rose nearly 2% in afternoon trade Friday.