Anson Resources Ltd (ASX:ASN) has unearthed widespread pegmatites at its Hooley Well Project in the Mid-West region of Western Australia.
The company’s geological field team made the discovery during a recent reconnaissance sampling program at the Mt Erong prospect on exploration licence E09/2462 at Hooley Well.
Extensive area
The extensive outcropping pegmatites, found at Mt Erong, span a 12.5-square-kilometre area, measuring around 5 kilometres by 2.5 kilometres.
Outcropping pegmatites.
The project is 700 kilometres northeast of Perth and is positioned in the north-western sector of the highly prospective Yilgarn Craton.The tenement also hosts a large radiometric signature similar to Krakatoa Resources’ large REE resource to the east of the Hooley Well Project.
Despite its favourable proximity to fertile REE ground, the area has seen no previous lithium exploration and limited exploration overall, which adds to the prospectivity of the project.
This discovery is a promising development for Anson, which, though it does not confirm the presence of lithium – spodumene or other lithium minerals – or rare earth elements (REE), provides impetus for the company to push on with its exploration efforts at the project.
Next steps
The company now has plans for an extensive reconnaissance mapping, soil/rock and stream sampling program in the current quarter as it moves towards unlocking the project’s exploration potential.
Reconnaissance mapping and sampling program: In the current quarter, Anson will initiate an extensive reconnaissance mapping and sampling program, encompassing stream, soil, and rock chip sampling.
The initial focus will be on the western portion of the Mt Erong tenement, specifically targeting rare earth and lithium mineralisation in areas where pegmatites have been identified. The concentrated exploration program aims to uncover more pegmatite clusters.
Geological prospects: Anson believes that the tectonic and geological setting in the area holds significant promise for rare element pegmatites, including lithium-caesium-tantalum (LCT) mineralisation, commonly associated with pegmatites.
The Hooley Well Project is strategically located near multiple REE, lithium, gold, and base metal discoveries, making it an attractive prospect for further exploration.
Survey and interpretation: Anson plans to conduct an aerial magnetic survey over the Mt Erong area and interpret historical radiometric surveys. Additionally, it will carry out a heritage survey in areas where pegmatites have been identified in preparation for the first phase of exploration drilling.
These initiatives will provide essential data to plan future exploration programs and will extend beyond the E09/2462 tenement to explore the broader potential of the Hooley Well Project, with a focus on its multi-commodity prospects.