Torque Metals could be on its way to defining a maiden resource at its New Dawn lithium project. Pic via Getty Images
Thick spodumene intervals light up Torque Metals’ path to a maiden resource at New Dawn
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- All RC holes drilled by Torque Metals have intersected vertically stacked pegmatites
- Spodumene identified by UV light and confirmed by Raman analysis
- Diamond drilling under way to extend pegmatites and collect samples for metallurgical testing
Special Report: Torque Metals’ drill program to test and extend the maiden exploration target at its New Dawn lithium project in WA’s Goldfields region looks to have met its objectives after intersecting thick spodumene intervals.
The drilling continues the company’s rapid progress since it consolidating the 12 mining licences that make up the ~800km2 Penzance exploration camp, just 600m along strike from Mineral Resources’ (ASX:MIN) Bald Hill lithium operation near Kambalda, in mid-January.
Bald Hill is the only processing plant in the emerging lithium district, giving MinRes the potential to acquire spodumene deposits in the region or toll treat friendly companies with small resources in the district.
Torque Metals (ASX:TOR) has already defined an exploration target of 8-14Mt @ 1-1.2% Li2O for New Dawn and recently completed a 17-hole reverse circulation drill program totalling 5,000m that intersected thick, vertically stacked pegmatites.
Another 1,000m of diamond drilling is currently under way to extend vertically stacked pegmatites with core samples collected for sighter metallurgical testing.
Thick spodumene intervals
All 17 holes drilled in the program intersected vertically stacked pegmatites.
Spodumene has been identified within the thick, continuous pegmatite lodes by UV light and confirmed by Raman analysis.
Assay results are expected in early March.
“Last week’s unveiling of the maiden exploration target signified a pivotal achievement for Torque, showcasing our strides in quickly deciphering the potential of the lithium and tantalum project,” TOR managing director Cristian Moreno said.
“Situated near the active Bald Hill lithium mine, our strategic location places us in a promising lithium-rich zone.
“Our recently completed RC drill campaign has again delivered, with every hole consistently encountering vertically stacked pegmatites. Further validation comes from the indication of spodumene via RAMAN analysis and UV light examination.
“With 17 RC holes awaiting assay results and ongoing diamond drilling, we anticipate announcing positive outcomes later this quarter. We have every confidence the results will validate our geological model.”
Exploration continues
Besides the diamond drilling investigating the high-grade spodumene areas – providing crucial insights into lode continuity, geometry, structure and mineralisation – TOR has also completed construction of its site camp to facilitate ongoing exploration activities at New Dawn and the adjacent Paris gold project.
This article was developed in collaboration with Torque Metals, 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.
