Oceana flags multiple thick pegmatites at Brazilian lithium project

Phase 1 scout RC drilling at the Bom Jesus de Baixo (BJdB) and Soledade West prospects at Oceana Lithium’s Solonópole project in Brazil has returned continuous pegmatite intercepts up to 37m wide – and combined intercepts of up to 46m.

Pegmatites are the host rock for lithium, which is commonly found in the mineral spodumene, and at the BJdB prospect, drilling was completed across three initial targets, including the BJdB pit (spodumene-bearing), BJdB Central and BJdB East, plus new targets in Lidiane and Tin Mine.

At the Soledade West prospect, two targets – Zilcar II and Rolados – were tested and new pegmatite bodies were identified.

The best combined pegmatite intercepts include:

46m from surface to end of hole (EoH), including 37m continuous from surface (NGR-RC-15, tin mine target);
21m from surface to EoH, including 18m continuous from 21m to 39m (SOL-RC-06, Zilcar II target); and
19m from surface to EoH, including 18m continuous from 39m to 57m (SOL-RC-08, Zilcar II target).

Assay results from the first 10 holes of the 30-hole, ~2,000m Phase 1 program are expected in the next 4-6 weeks.

Follow-up drilling, including infill drilling across the three initial BJdB targets and other targets, is planned upon the receipt and analysis of initial assays.

All pegmatites open along strike and down dip

All of the pegmatites intercepted remain open along strike and down dip, with infill drilling and 3D modelling planned for the BJdB pegmatites Pit, Central and East, to confirm if these pegmatite bodies are linked along strike.

Logistics and planning are also being fast-tracked for follow-up Phase 2 Scout drilling at Soledade West prospect and infill drilling at the BJdB prospect . Particular focus on the Tin Mine target will test down-dip and lateral extensions to confirm the dimension of this significant pegmatite body.

“I am very encouraged by the pegmatite intersections at the new Soledade West Prospect and the additional noteworthy pegmatite intersections from Bom Jesus de Baixo,” Oceana Lithium (ASX:OCN) senior exploration geologist James Abson said.

“Some of the intersections are starting to hang together nicely and it is pleasing to see pegmatites intercepted at other locations within the various Li-anomalous soil grids.

“I am excited for the first set of assay results to arrive back from the laboratory later this quarter.”

OCN is also interpreting preliminary data from a high-resolution drone survey (ortho-mosaic and DTM topography) which was flown over Bom Jesus de Baixo and Soledade West prospects to assist with accurate surface data required for the future 3D modelling.

This article was developed in collaboration with Oceana Lithium, 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.