Auroch expands its critical minerals menu with discovery of lithium at Nepean

Re-assaying of previous drill holes has confirmed the presence of lithium mineralisation that complements the primary nickel potential at Auroch’s Nepean project.

Lithium mineralisation was identified in the pegmatite intersections present in the tested NPRC051, NPRC057, NPRC058 and NPRC066 drill holes with a top result of 1m grading 0.88% Li2O from a depth of 78m within a broader 4m zone at 0.35% Li2O from 78m (NPRC051).

This adds to surface rock chip sampling in the same area returning up to 2.26% Li2O, which highlights the potential for significant lithium-caesium-tantalum mineralisation at Nepean.

Auroch Minerals (ASX:AOU) is now planning follow-up exploration – including drilling – to delineate further LCT mineralisation in the area.

“We are encouraged by these assay results from the pegmatite intersections in the four drill-holes in the northern area of the Nepean tenure,” managing director Aidan Platel said.

“The drill results follow on from impressive first-pass results from the field rock-chip samples taken last year and not only do they confirm the presence of LCT-enriched pegmatites throughout this northern area, but also show the potential for these pegmatites to host lithium mineralisation.

“This growing potential for significant lithium mineralisation compliments the company’s primary focus on its high-grade nickel sulphide projects in Western Australia, as the company looks to leverage the ever-increasing demand for critical minerals for the renewable energy sector.”

Upcoming work

Besides the planned lithium exploration at Nepean, Auroch expects metallurgical testwork on shallow, near-mine nickel sulphide potential to be completed in the next two weeks.

The company is also planning to carry out a diamond drill program at the Leinster nickel project in late April while planning and budgeting is currently underway for systematic exploration programs for zinc, copper, lithium and rare earth minerals at the Arden zinc-copper project.

Meanwhile, further assay results are pending from recently completed diamond drilling at the Saints nickel project.

Metallurgical testwork will commence on composite drill core samples, and environmental base-line studies will continue, all of which will provide necessary information for the ongoing Scoping Study update.

This article was developed in collaboration with Auroch Minerals, 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.