Kingsland Minerals have claimed an early success at Leliyn, striking into broad intervals of graphitic schist as the first RC holes earmarked as the underpinnings of a maiden JORC resource in the northern territory are sent off for assay.
The first four holes intersected 150 metres of graphitic schist in the eastern and western ends of a five-kilometre-long exploration target looming large at 200-250Mt at 8-11% Total Graphitic Carbon for 16-27Mt of contained graphite.
Kingsland believe there is significant exploration potential in another 15 kilometres of its fresh graphite discovery, and Managing Director Richard Maddocks said it was an exciting start to the maiden campaign.
The interpretation of thick intervals of graphitic schist has been validated with our first few holes. We now have information along the graphitic schist unit which suggest good continuity along the 5 km target zone,” Mr Maddocks said.
“Drilling will continue to define the graphitic schist unit while samples are assayed for graphite content. The diamond drill rig will commence in about a week and will collect important metallurgical samples for analysis,” he added.
The hunt for Australian graphite:
Kinsland did not keep hands in their pockets for long after marking a graphite discovery and briskly managed to set an expansive exploration target, launching its maiden campaign as a potential deficit looms over the EV market.
The search for critical minerals has quickly become a geopolitical issue, China stands as the eminent graphite producer and has a history of weaponising supply chains, it has already threatened bans on rare earth exports and the United States is turning towards Australia to fuel its future-facing economy.
Forward plan:
The diamond rig is due to arrive soon and Kinsland expect assays for these holes returned within four to six weeks as it gets to work on a maiden resource.
