Askari Metals Limited (ASX: AS2) has received the results for the first phase of reconnaissance exploration surface rock samples collected during the due diligence period of the project acquisition of Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL) 7345, known as the Uis Lithium-Tantalum-Tin Project (Uis Project) located in Namibia. The Uis Project covers an area of 113.53 sq. km.
One hundred and ninety-six rock chip samples were collected from the Uis Project during the due diligence phase of the acquisition of the Uis Project. The sampling was conducted over a large number of exposed pegmatites and included several old mine workings where the pegmatites were historically mined for either tin or semi-precious stones.
The pegmatites are characterised by coloured tourmalines (green and blue in particular) as well as many examples of altered/weathered spodumene and lepidolite crystals. Some weathered cassiterite was also identified. The sample results validated and supported the field observations by returning several high-grade Lithium, Tin, Tantalum and Rubidium results.
The Uis Project is located less than five km from the township of Uis and less than 2.5km from the operating Uis Tin-Tantalum-Lithium Mine owned and operated by AfriTin Mining plc, within the Erongo Region of west-central Namibia. Swakopmund, the capital city of the Erongo Region and Namibia’s fourth largest settlement, is located approximately 165km due south of the Uis Project while the Namibian capital city of Windhoek is located approximately 270km southeast of the Uis Project.
The Uis Project boasts more than 80 mapped pegmatites across the project area, with many of the pegmatites having been mined historically for tin and semi-precious stone. An abundance of altered spodumene is visible both within the workings and the mined rock around the workings. The map below provides an overview of the location of the Uis Project relative to the infrastructure servicing the region and the location of the operating Uis Tin-Tantalum-Lithium Mine owned and operated by AfriTin Mining plc.
“Our initial reconnaissance exploration program has validated the field observations and confirmed the high-grade nature of the LCT-type pegmatites at the Uis Project,” VP-Exploration and geology, Johan Lambrechts, said.
“We have encountered numerous historical mine workings with an abundance of altered / weathered spodumene and lepidolite mineralisation at surface. The grades are high and the workings in many cases are extensive offering immediate drilling targets.
The strategic location of the Uis Project within 2.5km of an operating battery metals mine demonstrates the potential of our project.
“We have now proven that it hosts strike extensions of the same mineralised lithologies as the mine next door and offers Askari Metals significant exposure to the battery metals sector.
Our field sampling has returned numerous high-grade results including up to 2.1% Li2O, 1.3% Sn, 685 ppm Ta and 4,214 ppm Rb from surface.
“These results are hosted in dominant spodumene rich LCT- type pegmatites and further strengthens our belief in the mineralisation potential of the Uis Project. The knowledge that several areas not yet sampled have the same geology and, therefore, the same potential serves as additional encouragement. The Company is confident that the Uis Project has all the traits necessary for future economic success.
“Our first phase of drilling at the Uis Project is imminent and we are excited to get on ground and aggressively drill. We have signed a 10,000m drilling contract with the initial phase of 3,000m set to get underway shortly. The future is bright and we look forward to keeping our shareholders informed as we progress.”
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