Technology Minerals PLC (LSE:TM1) reported progress at the Leinster Lithium project in Ireland, where partner Global Battery Metals (TSX-V:GBML, OTCQB:REZZF) (GBML) has the green light to start a trenching programme.
GBML has received an approved trenching permit from Ireland's Geoscience Regulation Office, Technology Minerals said.
It will now dig a trench to further explore the Knockeen lithium pegmatite target, an area of interest supported by historic records from 40 years ago describing a spodumene-bearing pegmatite dike.
"We are pleased with the progress of the Leinster lithium project, with GBML having secured approval for progression of exploration efforts at Knockeen,” said chief executive Alex Stanbury.
“The trenching and assay sampling programme will help to further deepen our understanding of the Leinster asset and we look forward to updating the market as we continue to advance this lithium project."
Trenching plan
The plan is for GBML to open up a shallow trench for a total of 50 meters (m) in total length, with the aim of confirming historical spodumene-bearing pegmatite dike in bedrock. It is anticipated that this will enable 3D visualization of the pegmatite.
The trench is designed to crosscut the pegmatite dike and then expose 10-20m along the strike length of it in order to then collect approximately 30-40 assay samples from the trench over the next 5-10 business days.
It will also assist in the interpretation of the dike encountered in the 2023 summer drilling programme, which "succeeded in identifying a new LCT pegmatite system of significance", the company added.
That drilling saw 24 intervals of lithium-bearing spodumene pegmatites intersected across nine holes and observed grades of up to 2.57% lithium oxide. Sampling earlier this year meanwhile saw grades of up to 3.75%.
Today’s regulatory approval allows for up to 10 shallow trenches, up to a combined length of 200m over a period of up to two years.
"With the goal of confirming lithium mineralisation in our first round of exploration achieved, the company will expedite additional exploration efforts to further define identified lithium mineralization,” said GBML chief executive Michael Murphy.
“Knockeen has a storied history, and after drilling consistent, near-surface lithium intersects, we believe that trenching will augment our growing dataset, which can help to enhance this exciting developing lithium project."