Australasian Metals Limited (ASX: A8G) has defined a number of distinct areas of lithium geochemical anomalism within soils through MMI sampling technique using Ionic Leach at the Mt Peake Lithium Project, in the Northern Arunta pegmatite province, Northern Territory.
The MMI sampling technique was used to collect soil samples that were then analysed using the Ionic Leach partial leach technology. Ionic Leach is a proprietary partial leach technology that has been developed to extend the reach of geochemical exploration into areas that have been blanketed by post-mineralisation cover. This cover is typically transported, though well-developed residual cover sequences can also be suitable candidates.
Soil and sediments are the media used for Ionic Leach surveys. Partial leaches such as Ionic Leach operate by separating and examining only a part of the chemical composition of the whole sample. Because chemical, rather than physical transport is typically responsible for “adding” a mineralisation signal from depth to exotic cover, clever formulation of leach chemistry can be used to extract this signal off the exotic cover substrate, into solution where it can be analysed
Ionic Leach is a chemical approach to excluding parts of a surface sample that dilute the signal that mineral explorers seek. The company has engaged ALS Perth to conduct the assays with ME-MS23.
“Outcropping bedrock in the northwest corner of EL32830 is rare due to the dominant alluvial/residual soil cover which limits access to probe the geology directly,” Managing Director, Dr Qingtao Zeng, said.
“However, the MMI geochemical survey provides us a great tool to explore under the shallow covers. Soil geochemical contour maps in Li, Ta, Cs and Rb have presented us information of different angles given the geochemical nature of these elements in soil.
“In combination with the high-grade rock chip samples identified at surface, our new data helps us understand the underlying geology better, refining our targeting tools ahead of maiden drilling.”
Mt Peake Lithium Project
With its ongoing field mapping and sampling surveys, the company has confirmed lithium mineralisation in the surface through two samples (JC001 and MP10127) with 1.61% Li2O & 225 ppm Ta and 1.15% Li2O & 223 ppm.
The exact relationship between these two mineralised samples is still unknown due to the limited outcrop in this area of the tenement.
The company conducted a soil geochemical sampling programme using Ionic Leach geochemical technique with ALS Perth.
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