Astute Metals (ASX:ASE) has enhanced the Red Mountain Lithium Project’s potential after discovering a new lithium zone in Nevada, US.
A detailed geological mapping and rock chip sampling program was completed at Red Mountain, which identified the new zone of lithium bearing clay-rich rocks with grades up to 2,100 parts per million lithium.
The mapping program also uncovered two priority rock units for future drill targets — Unit O and Unit J.
Unit O is dominated by silt and sandstone with clay-rich horizons and is interpreted to be continuous over a 7.8km extent across the project. It has been tested by 12 of the 13 drillholes to date, each of which has intersected lithium mineralisation.
Astute says the continuous nature of Unit O will underpin a maiden exploration target for the project and inform drill targeting strategy for the first half of 2025, as the company advances toward a maiden mineral resource estimate in the second half of 2025.
Chairman Tony Leibowitz says with the advice of expert independent consultants, the company is continuing to progress the Red Mountain.
“The identification of a new high-grade lithium-bearing unit increases the project’s potential, while the enhanced geological understanding allows the calculation of an exploration target, as well as contributes to de-risking of the upcoming drilling campaign,” Leibowitz says.
The Red Mountain Project is located in central-eastern Nevada, adjacent to the Grand Army of the Republic Highway which links the regional mining towns of Ely and Tonopah.
Astute Metals is a diversified mineral explorer focused on discovering and developing critical metals deposits required for electrification and the global energy transition with a primary focus on lithium and copper.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Astute Metals
