Solis Minerals Limited (ASX: SLM) has commenced drilling activities at the Estrela prospect in the Borborema province of Brazil.
Solis is exploring the lithium potential within the Borborema Province, with primary targets at Estrela and Mina Vermelha, both located within 15km of the town of Parelhas, where the company established a base to facilitate operations and to engage with local communities,” Executive Director, Matthew Boyes, said.
“Drilling has now commenced at the Estrela prospect. Early results from surface samples appear to be highly prospective with at least four different spodumene rich pegmatite outcrops sampled. All samples returned high grades of lithium from the artisanal workings, from pegmatites up to 30m in apparent thickness.
“The purpose of this drill program is to demonstrate continuity of mineralisation and volume down dip and along strike across the tenement. The first track mounted rig has commenced drilling on site, with a second machine scheduled to arrive before the end of the October. This programme will maximise the chance of proving the potential at Estrela in a rapid timeframe.”
The maiden drilling programme at Estrela consists of 23 drillholes and will target four outcropping pegmatite bodies with identified spodumene in rock chip samples. The outcropping pegmatites have been mapped over a strike distance of greater than 1.2km with surface expressions exhibiting widths up to 30m in artisanal workings.
Drillholes are designed to intersect the pegmatite bodies at between 60-120m below surface with the scope of demonstrating the bodies have potential to host economically viable volumes and grades of mineralisation.
Solis expects the first programme will require two months to complete with the addition of a second rig scheduled to arrive on site in the fourth week of October.
An additional 1,420m programme consisting of eight holes has also been designed for the Mina Vermelha prospect. The main pegmatite bodies located in the southern and central zones of the known outcropping pegmatites will be tested in this maiden programme.
A second drill is now being mobilised and is scheduled to arrive in late October.