Loyal Lithium (ASX:LLI) has intercepted spodumene bearing pegmatite in all drill holes in its maiden drilling programme at its Trieste Lithium Project in the James Bay Region of Québec, Canada.
The drilling programme is targeting Dyke #01, a large, prominent weather-resistant outcrop ridge, with all drill holes to date successfully intercepting spodumene bearing pegmatite. Dyke #01 remains open in all directions with drill core displaying large and abundant spodumene crystals from surface. 14 drill holes, totalling 1,192m with ~305m of cumulative pegmatite intercepts have been completed to date.
Managing Director, Adam Ritchie, said the Loyal Lithium team will now commence sample selection for assaying and interpretation of the drilling results to build a geological model to assist with planning a more substantial drilling program in the upcoming Canadian winter. Loyal Lithium is well capitalised with $9.6 million in cash to accelerate future drilling programmes.
We are delighted to have been able to commence this maiden drilling program just 6 weeks after the discovery at the Trieste Lithium Project. The geological understanding gained by this program has confirmed extensions of the spodumene bearing dyke beyond the exposed outcrop, which in turn has confirmed the possibilities of concealed extensions across the entire project,” Mr Ritchie said.
“The visual spodumene crystals within the core are large and abundant – in line with what we’ve seen at surface across the project. We will now have the core sent for assaying and commence planning for a more substantial drilling program in the winter.”
Loyal Lithium’s maiden drilling programme has confirmed Dyke #01 exhibits strong spodumene mineralisation and remains open in all directions. The large and abundant visually identified spodumene crystals highlight the fertility of the pegmatites at the Trieste Lithium Project. Core samples will now be selected and sent for assaying, with assay results expected by January 2024.
The drilling programme has been highly successful and commenced only six weeks after the completion of the summer field mapping programme.