Leeuwin Metals Ltd (ASX:LM1) has released its annual report for the year ending June 30, 2024, providing a review of operations across its portfolio of critical metals projects in Canada and Western Australia.
These projects are highly prospective for nickel, copper, platinum group elements (PGE) and lithium, each of which is vital for the advancement of electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Over the course of the year, Leeuwin progressed exploration across its Cross Lake Lithium Project in Manitoba, Canada and its William Lake Nickel Project, also in Manitoba, along with its West Pilbara Iron Ore Project in Western Australia.
Cross Lake Lithium Project
Leeuwin's flagship Cross Lake Lithium Project is a significant large-scale opportunity with mapped pegmatite swarms over more than six kilometres of strike.
The company’s maiden field program during the period confirmed the presence of a significant pegmatite swam with multiple high-grade lithium assays received, confirming a 4.7 kilometre mineralised trend.
This adds to historical drilling where multiple, sub-parallel spodumene bearing lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites up to 20 metres thick over 400 metres strike length are observed.
William Lake Nickel Project
The William Lake Project is an advanced exploration nickel sulphide project within one of the world's largest nickel camps in Manitoba, Canada.
Key recent activities focused on compiling and interpreting Leeuwin’s drilling, which identified high-grade nickel zones, and extended known mineralisation over a two-kilometre trend.
During the period, the company responded to the volatility in the nickel price environment by completing low-cost value-added activities at the William Lake Nickel Sulphide Project.
West Pilbara Iron Ore Project
The West Pilbara Iron Ore Project is prospective for Channel Iron Deposit (CID) with multiple target areas present within the project. This is a compelling iron ore target, with initial sampling returning highly encouraging iron ore values of over 50% iron along a 1.7 kilometre strike.
Leeuwin’s portfolio also contains the Ignace Lithium Project in Ontario, while the company is now undertaking a review of its other Western Australian projects.
As part of its long-term growth strategy, Leeuwin has made opportunistic tenement applications adjacent to or along strike of existing mining operations or advanced projects.
Early-stage desktop and reconnaissance activities were conducted during the 2024 financial year.
Navigating a shifting landscape
Leeuwin Metals non-executive chair Simon Jackson said: “This year has been both challenging and rewarding as we continued to advance our portfolio of exploration assets across Canada and Australia while navigating the shifting landscape of global markets, particularly in the battery metals sector.
“Our flagship Cross Lake Lithium Project in Manitoba, Canada, remains a cornerstone of our strategy.
“Over the past year, we have made significant strides, expanding the known high-grade lithium mineralisation to a 4.7-kilometre trend, supported by multiple high-grade assays. These results reaffirm Cross Lake’s potential as a significant lithium resource and a key contributor to the future demand for critical metals.
“In addition to our lithium focus, the William Lake Nickel Project also demonstrated exceptional promise.
"Despite the volatile nickel price environment, our maiden 6,000-metre drill program revealed high-grade nickel zones and extended the known mineralization over a 2-kilometre trend. These results fortify the project's standing as a valuable asset in our portfolio.
“Closer to home, our West Pilbara Iron Ore Project in Western Australia has yielded encouraging iron ore values along a 1.7 kilometre strike, aligning us with major players in the region. With promising early exploration results, we are optimistic about the project’s future development potential.
A year not with challenges
“This year has not been without its challenges. The group reported a consolidated net loss, driven largely by the impairment of exploration and evaluation assets. However, we remain in a strong financial position with a cash balance of over $2 million, providing us with the liquidity to continue advancing our key projects," added Jackson.
“Looking ahead, we are committed to unlocking the full potential of our existing assets while actively seeking new opportunities across multiple commodities. We remain focused on creating long-term value for our shareholders by executing our exploration programs efficiently and pursuing strategic growth initiatives.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to extend my gratitude to our dedicated team, partners, and shareholders for their ongoing support and commitment to Leeuwin Metals. Together, we will continue to work towards a successful and prosperous future.”