Torque Metals Ltd (ASX:TOR) continues to strengthen the critical minerals potential of the New Dawn Lithium Project in Western Australia with all 17 holes from a reverse circulation (RC) drilling campaign intersecting vertically stacked pegmatites.
Thick, continuous pegmatite lodes were intersected in the completed campaign of about 5,000 metres which aimed to test and extend the company’s maiden exploration target that was announced last week for New Dawn, which is 600 metres west of the active Bald Hill Lithium Tantalum mine of MinRes.
The conceptual exploration target is 8-14 million tonnes grading 1.0-1.2% lithium oxide, which highlights the potential for continued mineralisation along the New Dawn trend and guides Torque toward an initial mineral resource estimate.
Awaiting assays
Discernible spodumene was visually identified under UV light and supported by Raman analysis in multiple holes, however, the company is awaiting assay results, which are expected early next month, for confirmation.
The RC rock chips suggest that the fluorescent minerals are likely spodumene due to their reaction under UV light.
RC drilling delivers
Torque’s managing director Cristian Moreno said, “Last week's unveiling of the maiden exploration target signified a pivotal achievement for Torque, showcasing our strides in quickly deciphering the potential of the lithium and tantalum project.
READ: Torque Metals sets “substantial” initial lithium exploration target from just 40% of New Dawn
"Situated near the active Bald Hill Lithium mine, our strategic location places us in a promising lithium-rich zone.
“Our recently completed RC drill campaign has again delivered, with every hole consistently encountering vertically stacked pegmatites.
"Further validation comes from the indication of spodumene via RAMAN analysis and UV light examination.
"We eagerly await the assay results expected in early March, which will offer crucial insights into lithium grades and potential mineral extensions.”
Diamond drilling
Diamond drilling is ongoing at New Dawn with the aim of investigating high-grade spodumene areas, providing crucial insights into lode continuity, geometry, structure and mineralisation.
Drilling includes the collection of samples for metallurgical test work to be conducted by Independent Metallurgical Operations Ltd.
Site camp
Given the Company’s commitment to advancing the Penzance Exploration Camp, which includes the New Dawn Lithium Project and the Paris Gold Project, the company has acquired camp facilities at Widgiemooltha WA to accommodate up to 18 people.
This is expected to provide a number of cost savings and time efficiencies for the company as it methodically explores gold and lithium projects.
“With 17 RC holes awaiting assay results and ongoing diamond drilling, we anticipate announcing positive outcomes later this quarter. We have every confidence the results will validate our geological model,” Moreno added.
“Our focus at Torque remains on advancing exploration at New Dawn while upholding disciplined capital allocation.
"I am eager to keep the market updated on our progress as we continue to demonstrate the potential of both New Dawn and the adjacent Paris Gold project.”
Upcoming work
Torque intends to provide updates on the key milestones in the coming months.
New Dawn Lithium Project:
- RC assay results;
- Diamond drilling results;
- Metallurgical characterisation; and
- Follow-up drilling campaign
Paris Gold Project:
- Maiden mineral resource estimate;
- RC drilling at Paris;
- RC drilling results; and
- Maiden exploration target.
Cautionary statement: The reporting of the interpreted presence of spodumene in the drill chips and the estimated percentages of spodumene based on these images should never be considered a proxy or substitute for laboratory analyses where concentrations or grades are the factor of principal economic interest. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations.