Lightning Minerals Ltd (ASX:L1M) has discovered spodumene within a lithium-bearing pegmatite at its Esperança Project in the Lithium Valley region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with results of up to 4.04% lithium oxide (Li2O).
The discovery supports the company’s approach to exploration in the district and its positive assessment of the prospectivity across all three recently acquired projects - Canabrava, Caraíbas and Esperança.
“I am highly encouraged by these results from Brazil," Lightning Minerals managing director Alex Biggs said. "As I have spoken about, as a team we are committed to discovery and completing our works in a diligent and structured manner, the proof of which is in these results.”
“This is a great first step for us in Brazil and is testament to the prospectivity of the region.”
Spodumene discovery at Esperança
During recent geological mapping fieldwork, field geologists encountered a previously unknown historical artisanal mine within the Esperança project area. Artisanal excavations reveal a lithium-bearing pegmatite with elongate crystalline spodumene crystals up to 50 centimetres long.
The company’s geologists collected selective mineral specimen grab samples that were analysed with a hand-held LIBS (Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) device that returned up to 18,800 ppm lithium, which equates to a lithium oxide percentage of 4.04% lithium oxide.
Geologist Vitor Araujo Alves showing the spodumene-rich portion of the zoned pegmatite at Esperança; and large elongate spodumene crystals up to 50cm in length.
This discovery provides a walk-up drill target for L1M’s fully funded drilling campaign to begin in the first quarter of 2025.
Exploration continues
The discovery was made during early-stage exploration for pegmatites that began in June 2024, including project-scale geological mapping, ground reconnaissance and soil sampling across the three projects.
These early-stage programs across the Esperança, Canabrava and Caraíbas projects are ongoing with initial Phase 1 soil sampling and ground reconnaissance nearing completion. Further results are due over the coming weeks.
Phase 1 results from the Canabrava project have identified multiple pegmatites and lithium in soil anomalism up to 113ppm lithium.
Firmly committed to lithium thematic
Biggs added, “The company is progressing its projects in Brazil quickly and cost-effectively and generating significant results for the business which we feel will be transformational.
“We look forward to drilling in Q1 2025 and further results to come imminently from all three project areas in Brazil.
“I would also like to thank our shareholders who have supported our vision and exploration strategy. As a company we are firmly committed to the lithium thematic and firmly committed to Brazil where we see significant potential moving forward.”
Lightning Minerals’ Brazilian tenements in regional context of the Lithium Valley region of Minas Gerais.