Soil sampling extends scale of lithium prize at Perpetual’s Igrejinha

• Perpetual Resources’ soil sampling extends strike of lithium-bearing pegmatite at main Igrejinha prospect in Brazil to >1.4km
• First-pass sampling identified new anomaly about 2.3km to the southeast within highly prospective corridor
• Preparations well advanced for maiden drilling of Igrejinha prospect to start in early June

Special Report: Soil sampling at Perpetual Resources’ Igrejinha project in Brazil’s famed Lithium Valley in the Minas Gerais state has identified a broad and coherent lithium-in-soil anomaly and a new southeast anomaly.

The 220-sample soil and auger geochemical program was designed to refine and prioritise drill targets, with a focus on areas surrounding previously mapped high-grade spodumene outcrops.

Significantly for Perpetual Resources (ASX:PEC), results from this program indicate a potential increase in the strike length of the outcropping, high-grade lithium-bearing pegmatite to more than 1.4km.

First-pass sampling returning results exceeding 400ppm Li2O has also identified a new anomaly ~2.3km southeast of the main Igrejinha pegmatite prospect within a highly prospective corridor bordered by Sigma Lithium and Lithium Ionic.

“These latest results reinforce the scale and potential of the Igrejinha project, with the LCT corridor now stretching over 1.4 km and remaining open along strike,” exploration manager Allan Stephens said.

“A new lithium anomaly highlights regional upside, supported by high-grade lithium and caesium at an artisanal working.

“With maiden drilling starting early June, Perpetual is entering an exciting phase to unlock value at its flagship project.”

He adds that the program has generated valuable new geochemical data that enhances the existing geological model, which already integrates extensive field mapping, earlier soil and rock chip sampling, and hyperspectral analysis.

Soil sampling program

The identification of a broad lithium-in-soil anomaly with peak values of 577ppm Li2O, 168ppm caesium and 1029ppm tungsten significantly extends the mineralised footprint of Igrejinha and reinforces its potential to host high-grade lithium-bearing pegmatites.

These assays complement previously reported rock chip samples exceeding 7% Li2O and 5.3% caesium.

PEC notes the anomaly exhibits strong northeast-southwest geochemical continuity and is characterised by elevated concentrations of lithium and pathfinder elements across a substantial area.

It closely aligns with mapped oxidised remnant pegmatites, artisanal workings and interpreted structural controls.

The company expects the expanded lithium footprint to directly inform the design and prioritisation of drill targets in the upcoming maiden drilling program, particularly those zones demonstrating coincident geochemical, spectral, and geological indicators of mineralisation.

Sampling also delineated a second anomaly ~2.3km southeast of the main Igrejinha pegmatite.

The newly defined 500m-long corridor lies within a highly prospective area with significant artisanal workings that is bounded by Sigma Lithium to the east and Lithium Ionic to the south.

Preparing for drilling

Site preparation activities for drilling at the Igrejinha prospect are now well advanced.

All required land access agreements have been finalised, clearing the way for construction of access roads to support the upcoming drill rig mobilisation.

Contractor ServDrill Brazil is currently preparing to mobilise drilling equipment in the near term, positioning PEC to start its maiden 1500m reverse circulation drill program in early June.

This will test surface-exposed mineralisation along the pegmatite corridor to help unlock the project’s potential given its proximity to some of South America’s largest spodumene deposits and lowest cost spodumene production in the world.

Listen: Perpetual’s Julian Barbaczy joins Barry FitzGerald on the Explorers Podcast

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.