Stelar Metals Ltd (ASX:SLB) has begun extensive soil geochemical surveys and geological mapping over significant areas in the southern Euriowie Pegmatite Field within the Trident Lithium Project near Broken Hill in Far West New South Wales, including known lithium-bearing pegmatites at Trident, Lady Don, Sceptre and Triumph prospects.
In addition, the critical minerals explorer is coordinating a series of exploration programs to identify strong hard-rock lithium pegmatite targets for future drilling.
Earlier in July, Stelar kicked off soil surveys over the northern area of the Euriowie Pegmatite Field, which encompasses Huel Bijerkerno, The Ruby and other smaller historic tin workings.
Results from these surveys, including initial rock-chip samples from Huel Bijerkerno and Trident, are anticipated by mid-August.
As part of the preparation for the upcoming drilling, independent environmental and cultural heritage assessments have been completed over the inaugural drill program in the areas surrounding Trident, Sceptre, Lady Don, Triumph and Esams No 1 pegmatites.
Historic rock chips in these locations have returned significant lithium assays, further highlighting the potential of the region.
Furthermore, the drill program at Trident is planned for the coming months, contingent on receiving the necessary regulatory approval.
Soil sampling and geological mapping
Stelar CEO Colin Skidmore said: “Our exploration teams are very busy in the field and it has been exciting being in a position to be able to design the inaugural drill program at this very prospective lithium project.”
Soil sampling is being conducted over a broad area in the southern portion of the Euriowie Tin Pegmatite Field where historic mining of lithium minerals and tin from pegmatites was undertaken in the 1950s.
Approximately 1,500 to 2,000 soil samples are planned to be collected on 40-80 metre spaced east-west lines with more detailed infill over the known lithium pegmatite prospects at Trident, Lady Don, Sceptre and Triumph.
Detailed geological mapping of the known lithium-bearing pegmatites is additionally being undertaken which includes mapping the surface morphology of the outcrops, assessing the internal zonation and the detailed structural setting.
Trident and Triumph area – Soil sampling area showing known prospects and NSW geological survey mapped pegmatites.
Forward plan
Rock-chip assay and soil results for the northern area sampled in July are anticipated in mid-August.
Initial rock-chip and soil geochemical results from the Huel Bijerkero-Trident pegmatites are expected later this month and into September.
Technology partner SensOre Ltd is processing the recently acquired high-resolution 256-channel radiometrics over the Trident Area and integrating them with the available geochemical datasets for Artificial Intelligence (AI) machine learning.
The company is in the final stages of collecting and compiling the appropriate information to successfully support drilling approvals to manage the potential impact on the environment; ecological communities and habitats; as well as culture and heritage.
Cultural heritage clearances are planned to be undertaken with the traditional custodians and Pastoral Lease holders once drill sites and access tracks are finalised in the coming weeks.
Drilling applications focusing initially on the area comprising the Trident, Lady Don, Sceptre, Esams No 1, Triumph and northern extensions of the Trident prospects are planned to be lodged later this month.