NickelSearch Ltd (ASX:NIS) will commence geological mapping and sampling of four priority areas within its Carlingup Project near Ravensthorpe in Western Australia next month, where significant lithium content up to 5.19% was discovered within spodumene-bearing pegmatites.
The company announced the discovery last week following testing of grab samples taken from a quarry at Carlingup, where NickelSearch is collaborating with Allkem Ltd (ASX:AKE, OTC:OROCF, TSX:AKE) to advance lithium exploration.
NickelSearch has obtained a new access permit issued by Western Australian mining authorities to re-enter the quarry and target areas, each extending more than 800 metres in strike.
READ: NickelSearch shares higher as it confirms high-grade lithium up to 5.19% in pegmatites at Carlingup
The land on which the quarry is located is private but it sits within NickelSearch’s granted exploration licence 74/685.
Under the Mining Act 1978 (WA), exploration and mining activities on EL74/685, including the first 30 metres below the natural surface of the land, are subject to consent to access and agreement to compensation with the owners and occupiers of the land.
The company is in the process of obtaining consent and agreeing to compensation terms for EL74/685, including with the operator of the quarry for draining of the pit.
The Carlingup project showing priority lithium mapping areas.
Eager to start
“We are keen to progress our lithium exploration across the targets identified at Carlingup,” NickelSearch managing director Nicole Duncan said.
“The next phase of exploration involves the experienced team from Newexco mapping and sampling the initial four priority target areas, plus the quarry area, to support drill planning.”
Newexco geologists led by Ian Pryor will undertake the mapping and sampling program, along with NickelSearch field staff and Allkem geologists.
Allkem is the owner and operator of the Mt Cattlin lithium mine, 10 kilometres from Carlingup.