Lightning Minerals Ltd has kicked off a drilling program of up to 2,000 metres at the Esperança lithium project, within the prolific lithium province of Minas Gerais in Brazil.
The company is targeting pegmatite formations identified in a north-east trend, confirmed to hold spodumene mineralisation and coinciding with elevated lithium-in-soil values.
Specifically, the specialised drill rigs will test below weathered pegmatites at surface, searching for more formations deeper within the rock that may hold higher levels of lithium.
Drilling at Caraíbas to follow later in 2025
“Drilling has begun at Esperança which is a great step forward for the company in the execution of its exploration plans in Brazil,” Lightning Minerals managing director Alex Biggs said.
“We have always known that the Lithium Valley is highly prospective and with a clear initial target at Esperança we’re excited about the potential for our projects and the company moving forwards.
“Esperança is our priority one target but we are continuing works at both our Caraíbas and Canabrava projects where multiple lithium targets have been identified. Plans are underway for drilling programs at Caraíbas later in 2025.
“We wish our team a safe and productive drilling campaign and we look forward to updating the market on our progress in due course.”
L1M has engaged Energold Drilling SA to complete the drilling campaign, as a highly experienced lithium exploration company within the Lithium Valley region of Minas Gerais.
In parallel with this latest drilling program at Esperança, Lightning Minerals is also continuing ground reconnaissance at both the Caraíbas and Canabrava projects, where lithium in soil values up to 429 parts per million (ppm) lithium and 320ppm lithium (respectively) have been identified.
The company is evaluating targets across multiple areas with plans for further drilling later in the year.