Piedmont Lithium (ASX:NASDAQ:PLL, OTC:PLLTL) Ltd reports that multiple thick, high-grade spodumene-bearing pegmatites have been identified during an initial 2023 drilling program at the North American Lithium project (NAL), a joint venture between Piedmont and Sayona Mining, which is North America’s largest operating lithium mine.
The drilling identified multiple new high-grade lithium zones, including zones outside of the planned pit shell model.
Some intercepts were thicker and of a higher-grade than had been previously encountered, while the results of in-pit drilling suggest the potential for further mineral resource conversion.
High-grade mineralised zones
The drill results identified a number of new high-grade mineralised zones along the north-west margin of the deposit — beyond the current pit operations and the planned pit shell model.
Meanwhile, the mineralisation from inside the pit shell model shows continuity and consistency in grade and thickness. This provides potential for mineral resource conversion within the pit shell model, and definition below the existing pit.
PLL president and CEO Keith Phillips said: “We are pleased with these excellent drill results, which indicate the potential for further resource and mine life extension at NAL.
"The thick widths and high grades of these intercepts are encouraging and underscore the importance of NAL, which is already North America's largest operating lithium mine.
“We look forward to the remaining assay results as NAL continues to ramp production and prepare Q4 2023 customer shipments.”