Diversified explorer Global Lithium (ASX:GL1) has identified a new rare earth element (REE) discovery through exploration at its adjacent Manna Lithium Project near Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.
The company reports the new discovery will be named Cardunia Rocks REE Project, which was discovered by re-analysing pulps from the reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling campaigns conducted in 2022, after initial assay spectra demonstrated ‘anomalously high’ peaks relating to cerium concentrations.
Field observations also highlighted the ‘distinct’ structurally deformed and altered zone, and assay results have been received from a number of pulps submitted for multi-element and REE assay.
Global Lithium also completed a ‘wide-ranging’ analytical program and a tenement-wide structural geology and geophysical interpretation to identify potential source pathways back from the current REE mineralisation point, and to generate a new set of exploration targets. This interpreted REE area of interest covers an estimated 8.5km trend that passes to the east and south of Manna.
The company reports samples collected through a soil surface sampling program have returned TREO values up to 3,350ppm TREO through multi-element assays. These results were compared with historical auger assay results that highlighted ‘strongly anomalous’ REE results, returning a peak end-of-hole (EOH) sample value of 2,059ppm.
Global Lithium reports drilling at Manna is slated to continue with a 50,000m combined RC and diamond drilling program set to begin in August 2023, subject to the completion of heritage surveys.
This drilling program will aim to increase the mineral resource for Manna, which in turn will be incorporated into the ongoing Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS). Up to 5 drill rigs are estimated to be deployed at site under the exploration campaign.
At Cardunia Rocks, Global Lithium plans to complete further geochemical and geophysical test programs, which will be followed by a targeted RC drilling program into the regional mineralised structures and the syenite/quartz monzodiorite zone. The company believes this zone could potentially be the mineralisation host rock.
An expanded surface gravity survey covering the broader project area that is prospective for REEs is also underway.
Global Lithium is a Western Australia-focused explorer focused on its Marble Bar Lithium Project in the Pilbara region, and the Manna Lithium Project in the Goldfields region.
Write to Harry Mulholland at Mining.com.au
Images: Global Lithium Resources Ltd
