PEC’s new project is a highly promising lithium exploration opportunity near other major spodumene sites. Pic: via Getty Images
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Special Report: Rock chip assays from Perpetual Resources’ Isabella lithium project in Brazil have returned over 5% Li2O, with mineralisation expanding into multiple >1km pegmatite corridors which are part of a regionally interpreted pegmatite trend that could extend for up to 3km.
Perpetual Resources’ (ASX:PEC) newly acquired Isabella project sits in Brazil’s renowned Lithium Valley and includes multiple spodumene-bearing pegmatite occurrences and several historical artisanal mining areas, with previous exploration tunnels extending up to 150m into the various pegmatites.
Pegmatites are often the host rock for spodumene mineralisation, and usually have much higher lithium concentrations than in brine, which may mean a more economically viable operation – especially if they contain saleable by-products such as tin and tantalum.
The project is also strategically positioned close to some of most advanced and largest hard-rock lithium producers in South America, including the recently approved mine and processing facility at Atlas Lithium’s ‘Das Neves’ operation, which looks set to anchor the area as a critical hub for lithium development.
Isabella is also circa 3km from Sigma Lithium’s Sao Jose advanced spodumene exploration project.
Now the company’s rock chip assays have highlighted spodumene-lithium mineralisation, along with over 30 artisanal excavations with substantial underground workings.
Notable results include:
So far, initial mapping suggests there’s potential for ‘parallel and/or stacked’ pegmatite formations, which means there could be possible repetitions – which in turn enhances the potential to scale up the project big time.
This positions Isabella as a highly promising lithium exploration opportunity near other major spodumene projects.
Perpetual’s executive chairman Julian Babarczy said the project is quickly proving itself as a “prime exploration opportunity” in the heart of the prolific Lithium Valley in Brazil.
“In just a few months, we have expanded on initial reconnaissance findings and have confirmed spodumene mineralisation in multiple locations along an initial two pegmatite trends extending over >1 km, with clear potential for additional growth,” Babarczy said.
“The presence of multiple additional targets, in such close proximity to the known high-grade lithium mineralisation we have already discovered, reinforces our confidence that potential exists for additional linkages within this pegmatite system at depth, including potential for stacked and/or parallel mineralised pegmatites.”
Perpetual expects to report the next batch of rock chip results within 2-4 weeks and additional results over the next 4-8 weeks.
The plan going forward is to delineate near-term drill targets, which are expected to be explored in a maiden drill program in 1H 2025.
Further reconnaissance activities are also planned, with environmental and regulatory permitting underway.
“We look forward to sharing additional results from Isabella shortly and to advancing this exciting project to drilling in 2025,” Babarczy said.
This article was developed in collaboration with Perpetual 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.
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