Premier1 Lithium Ltd (ASX:PLC) has set the drills turning on a government-funded exploration program at the Moonera copper and rare earth elements project in the Eucla Basin of WA.
Groundbreaking exploration
This venture will be groundbreaking not only in the literal sense but because it represents a leap forward in applying novel drilling technologies in geological exploration.
The drilling program, spearheaded by the Mineral Exploration Cooperative Research Centre (MinEx CRC) and its partner, the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA), will employ the groundbreaking coiled-tube drilling method.
This technique, celebrated for its efficiency and minimal environmental footprint, will probe the depths of the Madura Province and, it is hoped, will deliver valuable insights into the subterranean treasures that lie beneath.
The drilling, across three to four holes, will reach depths of around 700 metres, targeting the Proterozoic basement underlying the younger sediments of the Eucla Basin.
Broader geoscience program
The initiative is part of a broader pre-competitive geoscience program designed to enhance the company’s understanding of the region's mineral, energy and groundwater resources.
Premier1 Lithium, which holds a 40% interest in the Moonera project, stands on the cusp of potentially elevating its stake to 80% by investing an additional A$1.4 million by December 30 this year.
“We are pleased to see the GSWA and MinEx CRC trialling its innovative drilling approach at Moonera,” Premier1 CEO Richard Taylor said.
“The engagement is testament to the potential identified by SensOre before our recent demerger and we are excited to see the results of this test.”
The Moonera project, a joint venture focused on copper and rare earth elements, has previously been explored by Premier1 with two drill holes in 2022 and 2023.
With the GSWA's decision to employ coiled-tube drilling, Premier1 is poised to gain a deeper understanding of the project's potential at no additional cost, thanks to the acquisition of drill core, chips and downhole data.
MAIN IMAGE: Rig on site at first drill location.