James Bay Minerals (ASX:JBY) has discovered widely distributed crystals with elevated lithium readings within an outcropping pegmatite dyke at the Aqua Property in Québec, Canada.
The pegmatite dyke measures 60m in length and 15m wide at its outcropping portion. It also runs in a northeast and southwest direction and continues further undercover in both.
Preliminary observations of the crystals indicate that they make up 1% of the whole rock comparison, with individual crystals ranging from 1 to 5cm in length.
James Bay, which has a market capitalisation of $7.89 million, has collected samples for petrography and x-ray diffraction work to confirm if the primary lithium-bearing mineral is spodumene and if other lithium minerals are present. Assays will determine the lithium content.
Executive Director Andrew Dornan says as the company maps out the property, its confidence grows that a “substantial” lithium system runs through Aqua.
“The team is making significant progress, particularly with the recent elevated LIBS readings that have caught our attention given their proximity to Fin Resources’ (ASX:FIN) White Bear discovery approximately 700m to the southwest,” he says.
James Bay says the exploration has documented and logged details about the crystals identified and now intends to undertake further work. These activities will include stripping and channel sampling to further evaluate its potential.
As the exploration teams continue to work with the pegmatite system, the full extent and understanding of mineralisation remains in an early stage and interpretations are subject to change.
To further understand the property’s full potential, the company will continue conducting detailed mapping of the inland regions in western and eastern areas.
The Aqua Property contains a deformation zone running east to west through the property of 6km, this zone is considered prospective for lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatites.
The Roundup
– Widely distributed green minerals (crystals) identified in pegmatite outcrop
– Elevated lithium readings obtained from a pegmatite dyke
– The pegmatite dyke is exposed at surface over a 60m length and spans 15m wide
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: James Bay Minerals
