Mandrake Resources (ASX:MAN) reports that a preliminary lithium brine sampling program has started at its flagship 93,755 acres Utah Lithium Project.
The wireline brine sampling program is targeting 6 shut-in legacy oil and gas wells owned by local oil field owner Paradox Resources. Mandrake signed a well access agreement with Paradox in May 2023.
Managing Director James Allchurch says the preliminary wireline sampling program currently underway allows Mandrake to access up to 3 known lithium brine-bearing formations across 6 depleted oil and gas wells.
“Recovered brine samples will be subjected to laboratory testing for a comprehensive analytical suite (including lithium), as well as providing important information for the next phase of targeted sampling which will optimise future sampling programmes.
Importantly, results from this sampling campaign are expected to underpin an exploration target for the Utah Lithium Project and 2 large volume samples will be sent for preliminary direct lithium extraction (DLE) testing in laboratories in both the US and Australia.
Getting the wireline unit on site is a key step in the company’s goal of delivering a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate planned for Q1 2024.”
Write to Adam Orlando at Mining.com.au
Images: Mandrake
