Askari Metals (ASX:AS2) has detected visible spodumene mineralisation through a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign on EPL 7345 at the Uis Lithium Project, located in Namibia.
The company reports 5 geologists from Earthlab Technical have conducted a mapping of the entire project area of EPL 7345.
To date, the team has mapped about 60% of the target area, as well as uncovered several various-sized pegmatites, including multiple locations with spodumene mineralisation at the surface.
Askari states that based on the interpretation of lithium-bearing pegmatites uncovered by the field mapping program and geochemical analysis of collected rock samples, the company has interpreted 2 primary mineralisation zones.
The primary zone of mineralisation runs through Andrada Mining’s (LSE:ATM) Uis Mine, as well as its B1 and C1 pegmatites.
In addition, Askari states that all three of these sites have current and historic economic lithium mineralisation.
“In EPL 7345, we are assessing outcropping pegmatites identified by the crew of geologists mapping the project
Commenting on the company’s exploration activities, Askari Metals Vice President of Exploration and Geology Johan Lambrechts, says: “In EPL 7345, we are assessing outcropping pegmatites identified by the crew of geologists mapping the project.
We are encouraged by the number of pegmatites identified to date and that lithium mineralisation occurring as spodumene is being identified in the outcrops.
As we gather more information, we understand that some pegmatites across the Uis Lithium Project area pinch near the surface, while others continue to a greater depth. Our exploration work is aimed at identifying pegmatites across the tenement that are economically mineralised and continue to greater depths.
This work will inform future exploration campaigns, with the overall goal of Askari delivering a maiden mineral resource at the Uis Lithium Project.”
The company is currently conducting 2 separate RC drilling campaigns at the Uis Lithium Project on EPL 7345 and EPL 8535 respectively. Both campaigns remain on schedule for completion in the June quarter.
Phase two of reverse circulation (RC) drilling in EPL 7345 is targeting new and untested pegmatites. As part of the phase two drilling, the company has completed 25 holes for 1,200m of the planned 4,000m drilling program.
Once phase two has been completed at EPL 7345, the mapping and sampling crews will be mobilised to EPL 8535, where detailed mapping and sampling will also be completed across the entire project area.
In addition, the phase one RC drilling program at EPL 8535 is targeting 4 separate target zones and has recently expanded from 3,000m to 4,000m.
Askari reports that once results have been analysed for both drilling campaigns, the company plans to introduce the first diamond drill rig to the project to validate some RC intercepts and produce tangible evidence of the minerals identified in the RC drill chips.
In addition, the diamond drill rig will test areas where the RC rig could not penetrate due to water being intersected in the hole, which leads to a loss of pressure.
Askari Metals is an exploration and development company, focused on its portfolio of ‘high-grade’ battery and precious metal projects across Namibia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and New South Wales.
Images: Askari Metals Ltd
