Global Lithium Resources Ltd (ASX:GL1) is adding rare earth elements (REE) to its exploration portfolio following the discovery of an 8.5-kilometre-long REE mineralisation zone adjacent to its 100%-owned Manna Lithium Project in Western Australia.
A re-examination of pulps from the 2022 lithium reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling campaigns has returned exceptionally high-grade peak assay results of up to 24.17% total rare earth oxide (TREO).
This is further confirmed by a large-scale soil sampling that returned up to 3,350 parts per million (ppm) TREO.
Situated just outside the eastern edge of the Manna Lithium Project, Global Lithium has named the new discovery Cardunia Rocks REE Project and has assembled a separate exploration team to pursue the REE potential so as not to distract from its core lithium focus.
Heat map of combined auger and soil results highlighting the 8.5-kilometre-long Cardunia Rocks project area.
First-half exploration done
Since the start of this year, Global Lithium has undertaken a comprehensive regional exploration program at the Manna Lithium Project, including soil geochemical analysis, a review of a historic auger program along with large-scale geophysical surveys.
In addition to defining targets for lithium and water exploration, the data collected has helped to interpret the Cardunia Rocks REE results and provided further targets for investigation.
Additionally, a large intrusive complex to the south of the Manna Lithium Project - separate from Cardunia Rocks - was also uncovered during the geophysical analysis, which will be investigated for REE potential in upcoming programs.
Some of the standout drilling results from Cardunia Rocks covering a strike length of 2 kilometres include:
MRC0152:
- 8 metres at 0.76% TREO (19% NdPr:TREO) from 23 metres; and
- 11 metres at 2.72% TREO (18% NdPr:TREO) from 55 metres, including 1-metre at 24.17% TREO (18% NdPr:TREO) from 62 metres.
MRC0180:
- 6 metres at 0.50% TREO (16% NdPr:TREO) at surface;
- 52 metres at 0.38% TREO (22% NdPr:TREO) from 39 metres;
- 29 metres at 0.65% TREO (21% NdPr:TREO) from 95 metres, including 1-metre at 5.00% TREO (19% NdPr:TREO) from 121 metres; and
- 6 metres at 0.83% TREO (20% NdPr:TREO) from 135 metres.
MRC0055:
- 11 metres at 1.05% TREO (23% NdPr:TREO) from 41 metres; and
- 8 metres at 0.77% TREO (23% NdPr:TREO) from 57 metres.
MRC0053:
- 3 metres at 2.41% TREO (17% NdPr:TREO) from 90 metres, including 1-metre at 6.26% TREO (16% NdPr:TREO) from 91 metres.
Analysis of the core samples has formally identified allanite/bastnaesite as the REE host minerals.
Drill core trays showing REE mineralisation.
Sufficient staffing
Global Lithium exploration manager Logan Barber said: “While Global Lithium remains focused on increasing its lithium resource base and working towards the finalisation of a DFS for the Manna Lithium Project, the company is well-resourced and has the relevant expertise to take advantage of other value accretive exploration opportunities such as this.
“The experienced geological team is well supported to execute the previously-announced 50,000-metre drilling campaign at the Manna Lithium Project and to concurrently investigate the upside potential of the emerging bedrock Cardunia Rocks REE mineralised system.”
Coming up
The 50,000-metre combined RC and diamond lithium drilling program will begin next month following the completion of heritage surveys.
Up to five drill rigs are expected to be deployed as part of the 2023 exploration campaign.
Separately, the Cardunia Rocks REE exploration program will continue, consisting of further geochemical and geophysical test programs followed by a targeted RC drilling program.
An expanded surface gravity survey covering the broader project area is already underway.