Askari Metals Limited (ASX: AS2) has identified major outcropping pegmatites in its recently completed detailed field exploration campaign on the South-Eastern portion of the 100% owned Barrow Creek Lithium Project located in the Arunta Pegmatite Province of Central Northern Territory.
Previous exploration undertaken by the company focused on the North-Western portion and successfully identified a fertile LCT pegmatite area in the North of the Barrow Creek Lithium Project, stretching over 950m x 500m.
A subsequent phase of exploration in the North-Western portion to extend the target area was also successfully completed, resulting in 350 soil samples and 119 rock samples being collected over an area measuring 3.8km x 4.8km with results expected during April/May 2022.
A preliminary drill design for the North-Western portion of the Barrow Creek project has been completed and the Company has taken steps toward preparing for the inaugural drill programme over this northern area of the Barrow Creek project through the lodgement of the necessary exploration permits with the Northern Territory Mines Department.
Upon grant, the company will be able to mobilise and commence its inaugural drilling campaign, expected during Q2 of 2022.
This most recent phase of on-ground exploration targeted an area with LCT pegmatite potential in the South-Eastern part of the Barrow Creek Lithium Project. Large colluvial flats characterise this area, with alluvium around the various seasonal creeks.
A prominent and steep escarpment rises from this flat plain and is capped by the sedimentary package of the Central Mt Stewart Formation.
Vice President – Exploration and Geology, Johan Lambrechts, said multiple thick and prominent pegmatites outcrop along the base of the escarpment and can be traced for several kilometres.
“The company has looked forward to getting onto this South-Eastern area of the Barrow Creek Lithium Project for some time and was welcomed by some very large pegmatites over a considerable strike length, in excess of six km,” Mr Lambrechts said.
“We mapped and sampled over the 6km of strike and sampled every pegmatite outcrop available. The pegmatites in this South-Eastern area are visually similar to the fertile pegmatites identified in the northern area but are significantly more numerous and larger.
“A total of 69 rock samples were collected and submitted to the laboratory, and we look forward to keeping our shareholders up to date as we progress with our aggressive exploration strategy on our lithium project portfolio.”
A further phase of exploration south of Taylors Creek and within the broader South-Eastern area is planned with those areas to be tested further pending the results of this initial sampling programme. The samples were collected on the slope of the dominant hill (Escarpment), with scree covering the slopes downhill. The company’s interpretation is that more pegmatites are buried under the scree cover but are not visible and will be tested through drilling, pending the results of this initial exploration campaign.
The company will continue to accelerate its proposed drilling in the North-Western area of Barrow Creek and will advance the South-Eastern area separately to offer the company maximum flexibility in its aggressive pursuit to develop this significant project opportunity.
A significant number of targets remain untested in the South-Eastern area of Barrow Creek with a further phase of exploration planned to field test these high-priority areas.
For further information please visit: https://www.askarimetals.com/
