Octava Minerals Ltd (ASX:OCT) has obtained visual confirmation of large pegmatite outcrop at the Pinnacle Well lithium prospect in Western Australia.
Earlier mapping and pXRF analysis of soil samples identified a number of priority targets at Talga, including an extended area of elevated Li-index analysis results around and to the north of the Pinnacle Well prospect.
Inspection by company geologists has now identified an approximately 1.5km length pegmatite running east-west. This large pegmatite outcrop at Pinnacle Well, within the Talga project, is where lithium mineralisation was previously recorded1 and is located 10km to the north of the Archer Lithium Deposit (10.5Mt @ 1.0% Li2O).
In addition, there were multiple newly identified pegmatites observed at Pinnacle Well which includes northwest striking pegmatite with visible lithium minerals. These pegmatites are considered by the company as highly prospective and will be further investigated.
Octava has recently completed the on-ground component of the Heritage Survey over the Pinnacle Well prospect in collaboration with the Nyamal people, with the final report pending. This critical work is to ensure the land is ready to move to drill testing stage. There has been no previous drilling for lithium at the Talga project.
Octava’s Managing Director Bevan Wakelam stated, “Getting the Octava team on the ground conducting field reconnaissance over the priority lithium targets identified continues the systematic approach we are taking to the large Talga project holding. We were pleased to observe the sizeable pegmatite at Pinnacle Well, but also the multiple NW striking pegmatites nearby that appear to be part of much larger structural features at Talga.”
Lithium mineralisation has previously been recorded in pegmatite at the Pinnacle Well prospect at Talga, but much of the tenure remains effectively unexplored for lithium. Previous pXRF analysis of soil samples identified a large anomaly around and to the north of Pinnacle Well and a number of additional priority targets2. Laboratory analysis of these soil samples (see ASX release dated 10 November 2022) are pending, and it is anticipated will help focus further lithium exploration over the project.
There has also been a number of north-west trending pegmatites observed at Pinnacle Well that appear to be part of much larger linear features identified from earlier remote sensing work. These linear features can be kilometres in length and are considered by the company to be highly prospective. Company geologists have undertaken field investigation and a number of rock samples have been collected for analysis with results anticipated to be received in the coming weeks.
The company is exploring for the albite – spodumene class of LCT (lithium – cesium – tantalum) rare metal pegmatite, similar to the nearby Archer lithium depositcand Pilgangoora and Wodgina lithium mines.
The Company is working alongside the Nyamal people, the traditional owners at Talga, in completing Heritage Ground Surveys over the Pinnacle Well area to ensure the prospect is ready to move to exploration drilling. The company has worked together with the Nyamal on previous heritage surveys and look forward to receiving the final report on this program.
Next Steps at Talga
The priority exploration work at Talga is advancing the project towards a drill-ready status, which will include the following:
• Complete initial field reconnaissance / mapping and rock chip sampling of priority lithium targets
• Follow up laboratory analysis of rock chip and soil sampling programme.
• Heritage clearance of Pinnacle Well project area.
• Exploration drill programme to test priority lithium target at Pinnacle Well.
For further information please visit: https://octavaminerals.com/
