With 2024 drawing to a close Lightning Minerals Ltd (ASX:L1M) has strong momentum heading into 2025, which managing director Alex Biggs expects to be “transformational” for the company as it tests the true potential of a trio of projects in Brazil’s Lithium Valley.
The company’s momentum had gathered pace just two years after its IPO, Biggs said, particularly since acquiring three highly prospective projects - Esperança, Caraíbas and Canabrava – in the Minas Gerais region, which is attracting global attention for its critical minerals bounty and is likely to be “a game-changer for Lightning”.
A country on the move
In a year-end letter to shareholders, Biggs said: “During my recent site visit, I was struck not just by the incredible geological potential but also by the energy and optimism of Brazil itself.
“This is a country on the move and it’s no surprise that Brazil is now the fastest-growing EV market globally. You can feel it everywhere – from the infrastructure being developed to the signs of a rising middle class.
“Little things stand out, like seeing domesticated animals, it’s an example of a subtle but powerful indicator of progress and it reinforces how much opportunity there is here, both for the country and for companies like ours.”
READ: Lightning Minerals to kick off 2025 with diamond drilling in Brazil’s ‘Lithium Valley’
Wasting no time
Lightning Minerals is wasting no time in following up the initial 2024 successes in Brazil with more extensive exploration, including drilling.
A 2,000-metre diamond drilling program will begin next quarter at Esperança and Biggs said: “I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what we’re testing.”
READ: Lightning Minerals discovers spodumene at Esperança in Brazil, LIBS results up to 4.04% Li2O
The drilling will follow up the discovery of spodumene-bearing pegmatites grading up to 4.04% lithium, which the MD described as “an exceptional result, and the potential upside here is great”.
Spodumene-rich pegmatite discovered at the Esperança property.
After Esperança drilling will move to Caraíbas for a 1,500-metre program to test a significant lithium-in-soil anomaly that spans 2 kilometres by 700 metres and which has returned assays up to 239ppm lithium.
READ: Lightning Minerals sample assays up to 239ppm point to strong Caraíbas lithium targets
At the third project, Canabrava, target areas are being firmed up following positive lithium-in-soil anomalism of up to 113ppm with strong geophysical signatures helping to refine drill plans and further results expected in January.
Upside potential
“Every time I walk around these projects, I’m reminded of the scale of the opportunity we have here,” Biggs said.
“We’re positioned in the heart of Lithium Valley, surrounded by tier-1 lithium players and the infrastructure to support significant discoveries.
“The upside potential is immense, and our confidence has only grown after spending time on the ground.”
Spodumene crystals collected from artisanal workings within the Esperança project.
Progress since IPO
Reflecting on Lightning’s progress since IPO, Biggs said that in just two years the company had:
- Grown from a small exploration company to securing a transformational foothold in Brazil.
- Forged relationships with key local partners, including Invest Minas and the Brazilian Government, to support exploration and development.
- Advanced its other critical minerals assets in Australia, including Dundas (lithium) which continue to add value to its portfolio.
“But this year has been about more than just deals and drill plans. It’s been about being on the ground, meeting incredible people and seeing first-hand the potential that lies in Brazil’s Lithium Valley,” he said.
Contagious optimism
“There’s a sense of optimism here that’s contagious – it’s a place of progress, opportunity and growth, and we’re proud to be part of that story.
“The groundwork has been laid, and we’re ready to make 2025 a defining year for the company. Let’s hope for a recovery in lithium sentiment – my personal feelings are that it will.
“It’s great to see some strong M&A and investment activity in the sector which is a strong indicator of what a lot of the big players see as value proposition right now. That indicates upside.”