Western Australia-based exploration company Golden State Mining (ASX:GSM) has defined lithium geochemical anomalies in first-pass soil geochemistry at the Paynes Find Lithium Project in Western Australia.
The company says it has received and interpreted ultrafine soil assay results from its first phase regional geochemical sampling at its Paynes Find project. An independent contractor collected 683 soil samples over several regional grids on 400m centres along 800m spaced, east-west orientated lines.
These grids were located over areas interpreted to encompass relatively shallow regolith cover considered amenable to this sampling methodology and best suited to deliver any potential basement response. The total sampling area completed to date represents only 14.4% of the granted tenure at the Paynes Find project.
Golden State also notes these selective areas do not include ‘higher’ priority structural targets which are based on aeromagnetic signatures with interpreted deeper cover where drill testing will be required.
Commenting on the anomalies, Golden State Mining Managing Director Michael Moore says: “This first phase of work has provided encouraging lithium results at our Paynes Find project so early in 2023, giving Golden State Mining great momentum for the field season ahead.
This outcome also provides vectors for drill targeting at the project later in the year. With just over 14% of the project area covered in this first round of work, we still have a significant amount of ground to evaluate, and it’s great to report that this important work has already commenced.
“…we still have a significant amount of ground to evaluate, and it’s great to report that this important work has already commenced”
In addition, these selective areas do not include higher priority structural targets, based on aeromagnetic signatures with interpreted deeper cover where drill testing will be required.”
Golden State reports a lithium pegmatite targeted exercise was completed by an independent geochemist using various statistical grouping and levelling methods of the multi-element assay data. Statistical grouping used a weighted sum methodology, calculated from known economics and selected supporting elements for LCT pegmatite mineralisation.
These group 1 alkali elements have a similar chemistry in a surficial environment and are known to occur together in a pegmatite related setting. This process has identified 29 initial areas of interest which have been ranked in order of priority for follow-up work.
The highest priority area for soil infill is located of the western side of the central tenement area within a 6.7km-square area of contiguous samples anomalous in lithium with supporting elements including caesium (Cs), rubidium (Rb), and tantalum (Ta) along a 6km north-northeasterly trend.
The highest lithium assay recorded at this location was 217 parts per million (ppm) in sample PFX0669, along with 16.5ppm Cs, and 217ppm Rb.
Golden State reports the second priority area is located on the northeastern end of the northern tenement (E59/2660) over a 7.7km-square area within an approximate 2.6km by 3.6km zone of contiguous lithium anomalous samples supported by similar pathfinder elements.
The ‘highest’ lithium assay recorded at this location was 158ppm in sample PFX0578 along with 23.9ppm Cs, and 157ppm Rb. The remaining priority infill soil targets consist of clusters of lower priority areas of interest which will be completed later in the year. Data analysis and target generation for base metal potential is ongoing.
The company says infill soil sampling has already commenced over the 2 priority target areas with an estimated completion by the end of March. Assays results for this infill campaign are expected in early May.
The results and interpretation will then be incorporated with field mapping work planned for May 2023 in preparation for potential drilling planned for early July 2023.
Golden State Mining is an exploration company targeting lithium and gold in the West Pilbara Craton of Western Australia. The company’s portfolio includes the Yule, Four Mile Well, Cue, Paynes Find, Eucla Basin Southern Cross East, Yamarna, and Ashburton projects.
It also holds a 20% share in the Murchison Joint Venture (JV) Project with Caprice Resources (ASX:CRS).
Images: Golden State Mining Ltd
