Lithium Australia NL (ASX: LIT) reported that initial assay results of its maiden RC drilling programme within the Youanmi project area in Western Australia show significant widths of high-grade lithium mineralisation.
In a media statement, the company explained that the campaign was designed to test down-dip extensions of outcropping lithium-bearing pegmatites where rock-chip samples yielding up to 4.2% Li2O had been identified and lepidolite
“Initial results suggest Youanmi could provide critical local feedstock for our lithium-cathode and battery business units” – Adrian Griffin, Lithium Australia’s Managing Director
“The first batch of assay results has reported significant widths of high-grade lepidolite mineralisation hosted in pegmatites,” the press release reads. “Solid results include 8 m @ 1.39% Li2O from 8 m, and 7 m @ 1.42% Li2O from 20 m.”
So far, Lithium Australia has completed 54 RC holes for 2,455 metres on the 3 kilometres x 200 metres lithium target. According to the miner, the extent of known lithium-bearing pegmatites has been extended by this maiden drilling programme. Mineralisation is shallow and remains open down dip and along strike.
The West Perth-based firm has an option to acquire full rights and title to three exploration licences at Youanmi. The licenses not only contain lithium, but also caesium and tantalum pegmatites, as well as vanadium mineralisation in a nearby layered mafic complex.