Lightning Minerals (ASX:L1M) has confirmed the potential for lithium at its Caraíbas and Sidrônio projects in Brazil, following a site visit as part of a now-complete phase one reconnaissance program.
The company says positive indications from the site visit include the observation of previously uncovered outcropping pegmatites containing lithium bearing minerals within artisanal workings at the Caraíbas Project.
Peak rock chip assays grading up to 0.53% lithium oxide, 1,245 parts per million (ppm) tantalum, 1,175ppm rubidium, and 1,455ppm caesium were returned from Caraíbas.
Several pegmatite occurrences were also observed across both project areas, suggesting the presence of pervasive hydrothermal activity.
Managing Director Alex Biggs says the company has confirmed the potential prospectivity for both projects and have also taken the opportunity to build relationships in Brazil.
“The Lithium Valley is a highly prolific region for lithium mineralisation and is a globally significant province,” he says.
“I feel excited to be here and seeing the opportunities that Brazil presents to Lightning. Before the trip I believed that this acquisition could be transformational to Lightning, that belief has been significantly cemented.”
The company will now conduct a geological mapping and sampling program at the Caraíbas artisanal site to support drill target generation surrounding the existing lithium bearing pegmatite locations.
Drill targeting and drilling will form part of the company’s plan for the larger tenement areas that are considered to be highly prospective given its location.
A stream sediment sampling and outcrop geology mapping campaigns will also be conducted to form part of the regional exploration exercise, alongside a soil sampling program.
Soil sampling will be conducted where regional geophysics datasets display features resembling those of nearby spodumene rich pegmatite deposits.
Lightning estimates these works will begin shortly and continue over the following months, these are however, subject to change as the potential exists to expedite timelines if a discovery is made as on-ground knowledge is developed.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
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