Maximus Resources Ltd (ASX:MXR, OTC:MXRRF) has defined a large-scale lithium anomaly from a soil geochemical sampling program at the Larkinville Lithium Project in Western Australia’s highly prospective Eastern Goldfields Lithium Province.
The company identified a large 900-by-800-metre lithium-in-soil anomaly greater than 200 ppm lithium oxide, with peak values of 593 ppm lithium oxide from its infill and extension soil sampling program.
These soil geochemistry values are considered highly anomalous, surpassing 20 times the typical background soil geochemistry values at the Larkinville project area.
“Excellent prospectivity”
Maximus managing director Tim Wither said: “The large lithium soil anomaly defined at Larkinville highlights the excellent prospectivity of Maximus’ tenements and builds upon our recent success at the Lefroy Lithium Project with spodumene-bearing pegmatites intersected during our initial scout drill program.
“The strong lithium anomaly at Larkinville is an encouraging result, significantly advancing our evaluation of Larkinville, suggesting its potential to host a substantial lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatite mineral system.
“The successful initial drilling at Lefroy, which targeted a strong lithium-in-soil anomaly, provides knowledge we will apply to Larkinville and provides the company with another quality drill target for early 2024.”
Multiple highly fractionated outcropping pegmatites
To evaluate the potential for lithium-bearing pegmatites across the Larkinville project area, Maximus executed a targeted infill and extension soil sampling program, to assist in defining the most prospective areas as well as provide insight into the potential zoning of the mineralised system and define any structural trends.
While a significant part of the Larkinville area is outcropping, certain parts of the project are obscured by shallow cover, making soil sampling an integral exploration step for the company’s drill targeting.
Maximus’ Larkinville lithium-in-soil anomaly correlates with multiple highly fractionated outcropping pegmatites at the project and a major magnetic low feature.
Previous rock chip sampling returned values up to 5.3% lithium oxide and 2.93% rubidium.
Forward plan
Maximus has scheduled further follow-up fieldwork with additional field mapping to be completed and anticipates an aerial mapping survey to be completed in early February 2024.
A reverse circulation drill program is expected to start after a drill program at the company’s Lefroy Lithium Project.
Maximus expects a follow-up reverse-circulation drill program will start at Lefroy this quarter, pending final approvals.