Results from Leeuwin Metals Ltd (ASX:LM1)’s inaugural exploration program at the 100%-owned Cross Lake Lithium Project in Manitoba, Canada, have validated a 4.7-kilometre lithium–caesium–tantalum (LCT) mineralised trend.
The company identified multiple spodumene-bearing pegmatites and high-grade lithium assays of up to 4.31% lithium oxide from channel and rock chip sampling.
A total of 30 channel samples were collected, with all sampling returning evidence of a large LCT pegmatite system. The extensive surface mineralisation now consists of more than 20 spodumene-bearing pegmatites, expanding the project’s scale beyond Leeuwin’s previously sampled historic drill holes.
The eastern target area, where historical drilling has identified spodumene-bearing outcropping pegmatites along the islands’ shorelines, was the primary focus of the fieldwork.
Exploration also focused on the main trend, where all channel sampling has returned assays confirming the presence of a potentially extremely large-scale LCT pegmatite field.
In the western target area of Spodumene Island — where no historical drilling exists — two drill holes returned significant high-grade lithium values of 7 metres at 1.08% lithium oxide and 6.1 metres at 1.75% lithium oxide.
Leeuwin sampling at the Spodumene and Metis Island prospect area
"Potential for a large-scale discovery"
Leeuwin managing director Christopher Piggott said: “We are extremely pleased with today’s results which display high-grade lithium mineralisation and provide confirmation of a highly fertile LCT system extending over a 4.7-kilometre strike of spodumene-bearing pegmatites.
“Building on our successful assay of historical drill holes for lithium which identified a 700-metre strike by 300-metre across pegmatite swarm with significant grade and widths, today’s results open the potential for a large-scale discovery at Cross Lake.
“Additionally, we are fortunate to be located in Manitoba, an infrastructure-rich province where the project is complemented by nearby hydropower availability and being only 100 kilometres from a rail line, each of which provides a significant advantage to any discovery.
“As Leeuwin’s planned 2024 drilling and field exploration activities expand the footprint of outcropping pegmatites, we anticipate several catalysts in the coming months that will allow us to advance the project.”
Looking ahead
With the completion of 2023 fieldwork, Leeuwin is very encouraged by the results and is aiming to complete a maiden drill program at the project in 2024.
A drill permit has been submitted to the Manitoba Department of Economic Development, Investment and Trade for an initial 10,000 metres of drilling, which is well advanced and tendering for a drill rig is underway.
This application process is being run in parallel with the company’s ongoing engagement and consultation with First Nation communities.
The company has also applied for a C$300,000 grant from the Manitoba Mineral Development Fund (MMDF) to support the project. The MMDF is aimed at supporting mineral exploration in Manitoba by making available funding to applicable projects in the region. The outcome of this is expected to be known in the coming March quarter.