Koba Resources Ltd (ASX:KOB) has commenced initial exploration at the Whitlock Lithium Project in Manitoba, Canada.
The Whitlock Lithium Project lies within the Bird River Greenstone Belt which hosts multiple significant lithium deposits, including:
(i) The Tanco Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum (LCT) Mine which has been in commercial operation for more than 50 years. The most recent published reserves (1991) comprise:
- 7.3Mt @ 2.76% Li2O1;
- 2.1Mt @ 0.22% Ta2O51; and
- 0.35Mt @ 23.3% Cs2O1.
In addition to being a high-grade lithium mine, Tanco is the world’s largest producer of caesium and contains the largest tantalum reserves in Canada.
(ii) The Separation Rapids Lithium Deposit, with a resource of 10.2Mt @ 1.40% Li2O2.
(iii) The Donner Lake Lithium Deposit, comprises four spodumene-bearing pegmatites that host a resource of 3.6Mt @ 1.28% Li2O3.
(iv) The historic Irgon Lithium Mine, where, despite construction of a 74m shaft and 366m of lateral development, no ore was processed. Ore reserves were estimated to total 1.1Mt @ 1.51% Li2O4.
Proximal Lithium Resources
In addition to the lithium resources outlined above, other significant lithium deposits are also located in northwest Ontario.
These resources are hosted in the same Archean craton as the Whitlock Project, in a similar geological environment, and include:
- 41.8Mt @ 1.53% Li2O5 – PAK Project, Frontier Lithium;
- 13.3Mt @ 1.09% Li2O6 – Georgia Lake, Rock Tech Lithium; and
- 9.9Mt @ 1.04% Li2O7 – Seymour Lake, Green Technology Metals.
Current Programme
Four geologists are onsite at the Whitlock Lithium Project conducting an initial reconnaissance and sampling program evaluating the extensive network of mapped pegmatites within the Whitlock Project. The team has already visited and sampled many pegmatite outcrops and will continue investigating areas of key initial interest, covering as much ground as possible and visiting as many outcropping pegmatites as possible during the 10-day initial programme.
All samples collected will be submitted for analysis using a detailed multi-element analytical suite specifically developed for lithium exploration in highly fractionated pegmatites. The results will confirm any potential lithium grades and provide important information on lithium pathfinder elements. These pathfinder elements will assist in the understanding of the pegmatites at the Whitlock Project, and aid in locating lithium-bearing pegmatites.
Forward Work Plan
On the completion of the current initial field program all rock chip samples collected will be submitted for analysis with the results expected in January. Future work programmes will include:
- Assessment of the field reports from the current program and a review of the analytical results.
- Acquisition and detailed review of high-quality aerial imagery.
- Detailed review of all existing data and re-processing of any available geophysical data.
- Detailed field mapping and geochemical sampling including the investigation of known pegmatites to generate drill targets for testing.
- Drill testing of targets delineated.
