Xantippe Resources Ltd (ASX:XTC, OTC:XTCPF) has intersected thick intervals of lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites along with mineralogy indicative of fractionation prospective for lithium mineralisation at Blanche prospect within the Southern Cross Project in the Western Australian Goldfields.
The Blanche pegmatite occupies a distinct magnetic low within the host stratigraphy and is interpreted to represent the northern extension of the system intersected by Black Dragon/Zenith to the south.
Encouragingly, Blanche is in close proximity to some of Australia’s most significant deposits, with several pegmatites in the Western Australian Goldfields delivering profitable mining operations.
Close proximity to Australia's most significant deposits.
Expanded drilling
Xantippe executive chairman John Featherby said: “Given the thick intercepts in the first two holes and the positive geophysics, the company has expanded the drilling program with an additional four infill drill holes while the rig is onsite.
“We look forward to the completion of the drilling program and assays in due course. “
Drill summary
The first hole, SRXC0017, returned pegmatite from 140 metres to 216 metres downhole where progress was halted by large groundwater inflows.
The next hole, SXRC0018, intersected pegmatite from 120 metres to 228 metres downhole.
Both pegmatite intervals contain variable amounts of what is interpreted to be lepidolite and eucryptite, which are the two important lithium ore minerals.
Importantly, the pegmatite intervals present very similarly to those encountered by Zenith/Black Dragon to the immediate south.
Forward plan
Drill hole, SXRC0019 is underway and is expected to intersect pegmatite in the coming shift.
Notably, assay confirmation of the grade and tenor of lithium-bearing pegmatites within Xantippe’s lease boundaries will pave the way for subsequent drill programs.
Furthermore, additional groundwork will test the regional extent of mineralisation and whether additional areas of prospectivity exist within the lease, covering some 790 hectares.