Lithium Australia NL (ASX:LIT) has used its experience in geochemical modelling of prospective lithium terrains to identify a new lithium target within the Seabrook Rare Metals Venture in Western Australia.
The joint venture owned 80% by Lithium Australia consists of six exploration licences located on the shores of Lake Seabrook, 10 kilometres from the town of Koolyanobbing.
Hand-held laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used to compare real-time lithium spectral data, with various geochemical signatures generated with field portable XRF equipment.
Results show conclusively that the pattern of lithium anomalism reflects the extent of measured alkali metal anomalism which in this area is a good pathfinder for lithium.
Adrian Griffin, managing director, commented: “Lithium Australia has worked with SciAps, for some time, to perfect the use of LIBS technology in geochemical applications.
“The extension of technique to the real-time control of drilling in lithium clays, is a breakthrough that should reap immediate financial benefits, by maximizing the effectiveness of our first round of drilling in Mexico.”
Taking the technique to other projects
LIBS technology provides a convenient means of rapid, real-time, assessment of lithium for reconnaissance geochemical surveys.
The success of the LIBS lithium geochemical modelling has led to more extensive evaluation for immediate use on the 25% owned Electra lithium clay project in Mexico.
A SciAps Z300 machine has been calibrated using a wide grade range of lithium clays generated from recent sampling.
Real-time data will be used to maximize the benefit of drilling, scheduled to commence in the near future.
Lithium Australia portfolio
Lithium Australia has projects in the following jurisdictions:
- Western Australia: The Gascoyne; Pilgangoora; Ravensthorpe; Seabrook; Lepidolite Hill; Greenbushes; Lake Johnston; and Widgiemooltha projects;
- Northern Territory: Bynoe;
- Queensland: Cape York; and
- Mexico: A 25% interest in the Electra lithium project.
Within these projects the company has various corporate alliances and joint ventures with Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX:PLS), Focus Minerals Ltd (ASX:FML), Alix Resources Corp (CVE:AIX), Cazaly Resources Ltd (ASX:CAZ), Tungsten Mining NL (ASX:TGN), Venus Metals Corporation Limited (ASX:VMC) and Lefroy Exploration Ltd (ASX:LEX).