Askari Metals (ASX:AS2) is prioritising a maiden diamond drilling program for Q1 2024 at its Uis Lithium Project in Namibia, Africa, after receiving assay results from its rock chip sampling program conducted in 2023.
Chief Exploration and Project Manager Cliff Fitzhenry says mapping and channel sample assay results have been received and concurrent stream sediment and soil sampling programs are being implemented.
“Promising trenching results will be fast-tracked to maiden diamond drill testing.”
The $13.60 million market capitalisation company collected 1,019 rock chip samples during an extensive field exploration campaign conducted across Uis.
Of these samples, 722 rock chip samples were assayed from EPL7345 with lithium oxide (Li2O) values up to 1.92% and tantalum oxide (Ta2O5) values reaching up to 339 parts per million (ppm).
Meanwhile at EPL8535, 297 rock chip samples were assayed with Li2O values up to 2.91%, tin oxide (Sn2O) up to 0.52%, and Ta2O5 peaking at 757ppm.
Askari says the recently received data has allowed the company to further uncover zones prospective for lithium-tin-tantalum (Li-Sn-Ta) mineralisation and interpreted extensions of zones of mineralisation warranting further exploration.
Fitzhenry says these assays exhibit several ‘encouraging’ values.
“Anomalous values are seen to correlate with the previously defined OP, PS, DP, and K9 targets on EPL7345 which are currently the focus of a 4,200m trenching program.
On EPL8535 elevated assay results have defined a further 7 target areas of interest in addition to the previously defined Kestrel target. These targets will be followed up on and fast tracked in Q1 of 2024.”
Askari Metals is an explorer and developer focused on its ‘high-grade’ battery and precious metal projects across Namibia, Western Australia, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory.
As of 30 September 2023, the company had $1.293 million cash and cash equivalents at hand, according to its latest quarterly report.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Askari Metals
