Bryah Resources have received rock chip results highly anomalous in the suite of elements characteristic of lithium-caesium-tantalum pegmatites, confirming the prospectivity for the prized mineralisation at its Lake Johnston Project in Western Australia.
The indicator minerology and mineral texture was likewise consistent with LCT, found in historically overlooked prospects in areas with no previously reported pegmatites.
The Roundbottom prospect pegmatites lie in an area of poor bedrock exposure, and several sub-linear parallel pegmatites were found at the Pegasus prospect, dipping under recent alluvial cover with the anomalous LCT pathfinders.
Bryah has a new tenement under application in the area, and Chief Executive Ashley Jones said the initial results are promising, having confirmed its tenure’s prospectivity.
These rock chip samples are anomalous in lithium, as well as several other key elements distinctive of LCT pegmatites. With additional geological mapping, rock chip sampling, and soil sampling, we have the potential to identify some exciting drill targets,” Mr Jones said.
“Our neighbours have so far been very successful, particularly at Charger Metals’ Lake Medcalf Prospect and TG Metals’ Burmeister Project,” he added.
“This is in addition to the nearby, world-class Mt Holland lithium mine. We are in the right postcode, and these rock chip samples confirm that we are searching in the correct areas.”
Forward plan
Bryah’s exploration territory reaches within 10 kilometres of the world class Mount Holland Lithium mine and concentrator, boasting a region-defining 189 million tonne at 1.5 per cent lithium oxide Earl Grey deposit.
Detailed geological mapping will now proceed over the prospect area alongside preparation and analysis of soil samples collected during venture, with planning also underway for a regional auger soil sampling program with a view to delineating targets for the drill.
The company also has a large volume of a lesser-known critical mineral on its hands, and a recently unfurled three-million-tonne plus manganese resource has passed the point where its Bryah Basin joint venture can advance mining studies and planning to the production stage.
Australian exploration
The lithium majors have been sniffing around Australian exploration projects, reluctant to pony up for listed producers with large valuations, seeing that the best way to secure resources for soaring demand is by finding it yourself.
“It seems like the cheapest way to get lithium units is via the drill bit,” RBC analyst Kaan Peker said.
“We’ll see a lot of the exploration companies looking to increase their resources and reserves, so that usually puts them front of mind with the producers which are cashed up. So I think there’s going to be some opportunistic acquisitions.”
