Artemis Resources (ASX: ARV) and Greentech Metals (ASX: GRE) have defined a pegmatite cluster defined by large lithium soil footprint with peak assays of 300 – 712ppm from a recent soil sampling programme at the Osborne JV project in WA.
“These soil results continue to demonstrate the high-grade nature of the mineralisation across the Osborne South trends. As this is the area where we received high grade Li2O assay results, it is especially pleasing that we continue to record high value results which could point to a large envelope of lithium resources,” Artemis Executive Director, George Ventouras, said.
“Additionally, we are pleased that the heritage survey at Mt Marie and Lulu Creek has been completed on time and budget and we are looking forward to receiving the written report which will open the pathway towards drilling at both prospects.”
Follow up Soil Programme
The follow-up in-fill soil programme comprised a total 916 samples and was focused on the southern portion of the Osborne JV tenement. Regional exploration to date has highlighted the effectiveness of soil sampling in identifying both poorly exposed and non-outcropping lithium pegmatites. Recent examples include TG Metals where high level of Li2O in soils has pointed to lithium bearing pegmatites subsurface upon drilling.
The Osborne pegmatite zone is defined by a large associated anomalous lithium soil footprint which has a strike of ~4km and a width of up to 1.3km. The anomalous footprint eclipses the size of the observed pegmatite outcrop and indicates there is potentially more to be discovered at Osborne. The soils report a peak assay of 712ppm Li2O and with numerous Li2O assays greater than 300ppm. This in-fill sampling was undertaken on a 50m x 200m sampling grid.
Mr Ventouras said it is interesting to note is that the peak soil assays are not aligned with the mapped outcropping pegmatite occurrences and appears not to be related to topographical effects which may suggest increased mineralisation from that previously considered present.
Heritage Clearance
A heritage clearance survey has now been completed. This survey covered prospective drilling areas at both the Mt Marie lithium prospect and the Lulu Creek gold prospect.
Next steps
With the receipt of this information and confirmation of the mineralised areas, the Artemis and Greentech consider that the lithium soil trends are now sufficiently defined to allow initial drill testing of the higher-grade zones aimed at identifying associated pegmatite bodies. While some lithium soil trends have been partially cleared by previous heritage surveys, additional surveys will be planned to ensure all targeted areas are covered.
The JV will also begin discussions with appropriate drilling companies in preparation for drilling at both the Lulu Creek and Mt Marie prospects.