NAE is targeting LCT pegmatites like other spodumene rich deposits found in the Central Pilbara. Pic via Getty Images
New Age Exploration a step closer to drilling priority Pilbara lithium targets with new sampling program
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- New Age Exploration starts second phase of UltraFine+ Geochemical sampling on Central Pilbara projects
- NAE will collect ~1,200 more samples in the Bullock Well and Quartz Hill project areas
- Experienced mining executive Greg Hudson appointed as chief geological consultant
New Age Exploration has kick started phase two of a soil sampling program to dial in on “high priority” drilling targets at its extensive Central Pilbara projects in WA.
New Age Exploration (ASX:NAE) is targeting LCT pegmatites like other spodumene-rich deposits found in Pilbara, including monster hard rock lithium mines Pilgangoora and Wodgina and the recent Andover discovery by Azure Minerals (ASX:AZS).
NAE’s Central Pilbara projects are strategically located in the Mallina – Whim Creek Basin of the Pilbara Craton, rich in exploration potential but relatively underexplored.
Multiple high priority lithium, caesium, tantalum (LCT) pegmatite targets have been previously identified by NAE for follow up drilling, with this phase two program designed to extend and refine the high priority targets.
NAE will collect ~1,200 more samples in the Bullock Well and Quartz Hill project areas for analysis, which are in addition to ~1,000 samples gathered during the initial phase of soil sampling.
The results will provide a better understanding of the boundaries of the fertile granite suites associated with LCT pegmatites.
NAE say it will help refine and prioritise its high-potential targets to prepare for an upcoming drilling program, pending all necessary approvals.
Strong lithium-pegmatite anomalies
NAE says strong lithium-pegmatite anomalies have been identified through soil sampling and analysis at Quartz Hill and Bullock Well Projects
The anomalies are well-supported by their proximity to granite margins and existing lithium pegmatite mines near the same granite units.
NAE says the promising targets are primed for drill testing and offer potential for expansion and new discoveries through further geochemical sampling.
Furthermore, recent UltraFine+ soil sampling and analysis at the Brahman Project have uncovered additional high-priority LCT lithium-pegmatite targets.
Braham Project is next to the tenure of Golden State Mining (ASX:GSM), which has recently discovered lithium at the Nomad prospect.
To further enhance the drilling strategy and locations at Brahman, NAE is undertaking ongoing evaluation of previous drilling and geophysical targets.
Pending completion of Program of Works (POW) and land access approvals, NAE says drilling operations at Brahman will be included with its planned drill program on high-priority targets within the Central Pilbara region.
New chief geological consultant
Meanwhile, experienced mining executive Greg Hudson will come across from Neometals Limited (ASX: NMT) to become NAE’s chief geological consultant.
Hudson recently conducted a helicopter reconnaissance program to evaluate the company’s Central Pilbara projects.
He served as the general manager of geology at NMT from 2018 to 2023, during which the company divested the Mt Marion lithium mine.
NAE says he played a pivotal role in the development of NAE’s Barrambie Titanium-Vanadium Project and the Vanadium Recovery Project in Sweden and Finland.
Before NAE Hudson was the Mount Gibson Iron (ASX: MGX) general manager of geology and reserve growth and served as Chief Geologist with BC Iron.
His extensive industry background also includes work with BHP Billiton (ASX: BHP) in the Pilbara region and Sons of Gwalia, notably at the Wodgina mine.
‘Significant step forward’
NAE executive director Joshua Wellisch says Hudson’s experience will be an asset.
“The appointment of Greg Hudson as chief geological consultant is a very exciting time for the company with his extensive experience in LCT Pegmatites and the Pilbara region, having worked most recently with Neometals and for several companies in the Pilbara region including time spent at the Wodgina mine,” he says.
“Sugden Geoscience’s continued meticulous geochemical analysis across the entire central Pilbara has demonstrated the ability to generate high-priority LCT Lithium Pegmatite targets under cover.
Wellisch says further UltraFine+ Geochemical soil sampling was recommended to infill and extend the high priority targets prior to drilling.
“This is a significant step forward in the progress of the company and the Pilbara portfolio,” he says.
This article was developed in collaboration with New Age Exploration, 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.
