Octava Minerals Ltd (ASX:OCT) has identified a number of priority targets at the Talga Lithium Project in Western Australia including a large anomaly at Pinnacle Well with pXRF lithium Index results of approximately 2,000 soil samples.
A number of rock samples were also collected during project wide geological mapping at Talga. These samples include pegmatite. Both batches of samples have been submitted for laboratory analysis.
Managing Director Bevan Wakelam said the Talga Project is considered by the company to be highly prospective for lithium mineralisation, hosted by rare metal Lithium-Caesium-Tantalum (LCT) type albite – spodumene pegmatites. 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.
“It is excellent to see the pXRF results from the soil sampling programme confirm the early targeting observations of our geologists,” Mr Wakelam said.
“Multiple lithium targets have been identified, including a large anomalous area around the Pinnacle Well lithium prospect. While these results are only indicative, they are certainly very encouraging and allow us to accelerate our exploration activities at Talga leading towards a drill testing programme and we look forward to providing updates as we advance this exciting lithium district.”
A total of 2,000 soil samples have been submitted for laboratory analysis over the full multi element suite, including lithium. To help fast track exploration, the soil samples have been analysed by pXRF with results processed into a specialised Li-index developed by Portable Spectral Solutions. The pXRF results provide a proxy for lithium content via correlation with a suite of elements that are resolvable by pXRF and calibrated against certified reference materials.
The pXRF lithium Index results for the soil samples identify a large area of elevated results around, and to the north of the Pinnacle Well prospect. This area measures over 1.5km in length and width. A number of additional elevated Li-Index results are also identified within the broader Talga project area and are being followed up by field investigation. Large areas of the project remain untested by any lithium geochemistry.
Rock samples were collected during detailed geological mapping carried at Talga out by specialist mapper John Crossing. These samples include pegmatite with the potential to host lithium mineralisation. Geological mapping has confirmed pegmatites within geology similar to that of the Archer lithium deposit (10.5Mt @ 1.0% Li2O ASX:GL1), located 10km to the southwest, enhancing project potential.
All of the rock samples collected during field mapping have been submitted for laboratory analysis.
A number of the elevated Li-Index features are coincident with remote sensing targets identified by the company geologists. There are also some highly visible outcrops of pegmatite at Talga.
Octava is very encouraged by these pXRF Li-Index soil results, which are being followed up by field reconnaissance/mapping and rock chip sampling. As noted above, Octava has also submitted samples for laboratory analysis. The focus of the current work programme is to identify high priority targets for drill testing.
Next Steps at Talga
The priority at Talga is advancing towards a drill-ready status, which will include the following:
• Field reconnaissance / mapping and rock chip sampling of priority lithium targets
• Follow up laboratory analysis
• Heritage clearance of priority lithium drill targets
• Exploration drill programme to test priority lithium targets For further information please visit: https://octavaminerals.com/
