Accelerate Resources is off and running in its search for lithium in WA’s Pilbara region. Pic via Getty Images.
Accelerate Resources charges ahead with its lithium hunt in sizzling Pilbara hotspot
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As the hunt for lithium continues to gain momentum in the Pilbara Accelerate Resources has started exploration at its expanded East Pilbara project.
Accelerate Resources (ASX:AX8) has kicked off detailed exploration of its recently expanded lithium prospective tenure in the East Pilbara, including a 10-day mapping and sampling program.
AX8 says previous reconnaissance has identified numerous outcropping pegmatites within the project area for follow up.
And in a further positive sign, a series of new targets have been identified across current and new tenements using the same exploration model applied by Global Lithium (ASX:GL1) at the nearby Archer Deposit.
AX8 is seeking to fast-track a granting of key tenements and associated permitting to advance drill-ready targets.
Proven area for exploration
AX8’s East Pilbara lithium project sits within a region of active lithium exploration and discovery, encompassing prominent deposits including:
- GL1’s Archer deposit (ASX:GL1),
- The Tabba Tabba Lithium Project of Wildcat Resources (ASX:WC8)
- Pilgangoora Lithium Project of Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) known for its large-scale lithium mine
- Wodgina Lithium Project of Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN)
Based on the lithium pegmatite model by other explorers in the immediate region, AX8’s Mount Creek tenement block lies within the 6km to 8.5km zone considered prospective for pegmatite-hosted lithium mineralisation surrounding the Moolyella Monzogranite.
AX8 says initial desktop studies spanning the tenement area identified numerous potential pegmatite targets within multiple vein/dyke filled cross-cutting structures in the host granitic pluton.
In 2022, AX8 completed fieldwork along station tracks with ground traverses to sites of special interest.
About 35% of the prospective zone within E45/6279 and <5% within E45/6278 were visited with initial encouraging observations including:
- Discovery of four larger bodies of coalesced, overlapping, stacked pegmatite and aplitic veins and pods at different locations, with an additional 14 smaller pegmatites
- Numerous small individual pegmatite veins and pods were common
These known targets will be assessed by CSA Global using mineralogical-based geochemical techniques to rank the pegmatites to prioritize further exploration work.
CSA Global has gained extensive experience in the East Pilbara region, researching the Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum (LCT) pegmatite mineral systems while providing exploration services to several clients.
New Exploration Prospects
Two of AX8’s new tenement applications (E45/6604 & 6615) are within the sedimentary-basalt rim adjacent to a large granite pluton, informally known as the Wongawobbin Pluton.
The pluton contains several granite suites of tonalite, monzogranite and granodiorite compositions located within a swarm of north oriented faults.
Within the Pilbara Craton, monzogranites are frequently associated with lithium mineralisation, such as the Moolyella Mozongranite.
AX8 says satellite image interpretation has also identified several zones of quartzose felsic rocks prospective for lithium bearing pegmatites.
The explorer will be scouting for additional pegmatites and rock chip sampling for mineralogical based geochemical fingerprinting to rank the pegmatite targets.
Drilling at Woodie Woodie North
AX8 in May initiated an extensive reverse circulation exploration program spanning 8,500 meters at its Woodie Woodie North manganese project in WA.
The program aims to establish maiden JORC resources at the Barra North, Barra South, and Area 42 corridors.
This drilling campaign aims to build on the achievements of its successful 2022 drillings, notably at Dale’s Patch and Nathan’s Flat. Also, in Area 42, a drilling result of 11 meters at 21.5% manganese was achieved.
Furthermore, the explorer plans to spelunk new possibilities in the recently discovered 5km Parson’s Creek Corridor, which exhibits significant manganese outcrops, including a surface enriched manganese target measuring 225 meters long.
Additionally, the largely untested 7.5km Gum Creek Corridor in the northern part of Area 5, which has already shown promising results in scout drilling, will also undergo assessment.
This article was developed in collaboration with Accelerate Resources, a Stockhead advertiser at the time of publishing.
This article does not constitute financial product advice. You should consider obtaining independent advice before making any financial decisions.
