Lightning Minerals Ltd (ASX:L1M) has completed its initial exploration program at its Dalmas and Hiver projects in the James Bay region of Quebec, Canada, confirming historical reports of outcropping pegmatitic lithologies at both project areas.
Following the execution of a binding agreement to acquire the Dalmas and Hiver projects, the company has quickly completed its first reconnaissance phase exploration, taking multiple samples for analysis, ahead of the Canadian winter.
The company had previously identified 165 multispectral targets over the Dalmas and Hiver projects, with 113 targets at Dalmas and 52 targets at Hiver. These targets formed seven clustered areas across the two projects that required follow up field investigation.
Additionally, historical Quebec Geological Survey records report outcrop mapping information that claimed outcropping pegmatitic lithologies may occur at three of the four priority clustered target areas.
Multiple instances of pegmatite outcrop
The reconnaissance field program focused on these areas and has now identified multiple instances of pegmatite outcrop, as well as pegmatite boulders at surface.
Lightning Minerals managing director Alex Biggs said: “Confirmation of pegmatite lithologies at both Dalmas and Hiver is a positive indicator for our future exploration in Canada. It is important that the company has taken its first step quickly and effectively by confirming the target areas that have been previously identified.
“We know the James Bay region is prolific as a lithium district and initial indications at Dalmas and Hiver suggest that potential for lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) mineralisation exists.
“Our next step will be to evaluate existing geophysical surveys that may define geological trends of sub-cropping pegmatite structures across both projects. The company continues to employ a diligent and structured approach to its exploration across all its projects with a view to defining drill targets for potential discovery.
"Having projects in two of the most prospective lithium regions globally significantly increases our chances of that. We look forward to keeping you updated on our progress.”
Looking ahead
The company is now busy developing follow up exploration programs with a focus on reviewing existing geophysical data across the project areas and defining target areas for further exploration targeting LCT mineralisation.