Critical Resources Ltd (ASX:CRR)’s initial interpretation of an airborne geophysical survey flown over the Mavis Lake Lithium Project in Ontario has demonstrated a significant mineralisation footprint.
Geological trends identified demonstrate the potential for continuity between Pegmatite 6 and Pegmatite 18 prospects.
Further interpretation is required in conjunction with surface mapping to identify and rank additional drill targets.
The results support the highly prospective nature of the Mavis Lake property and the ability for expansion to existing mineralisation.
It also allows the company to continue its aggressive exploration campaign at Mavis Lake.
Strong endorsement
Critical Resources managing director Alex Biggs said: “These results are a strong endorsement that the Mavis Lake property possesses what we interpret as the right geological setting to host significant pegmatite mineralisation.
“We are well aware of the existing mineralisation at both the Pegmatite 6 and Pegmatite 18 prospects, but our plan is to demonstrate potential continuity, increasing both scale and exploration potential.”
Geophysical data interpretation
Interpretations of the magnetic data set from the geophysical survey have identified geological trends that demonstrate the potential for continuity between the Pegmatite 6 and Pegmatite 18 prospects over circa 3 kilometres.
This potential continuity has not previously been tested by drilling, providing a new exploration area within the Mavis Lake property.
Surface mapping will not only help identify drill targets but act as a basis for further detailed geophysical interpretation.
Further interpretation of the geophysical data set that may identify significant geological areas such as structural deformation resulting in favourable conditions for pegmatite development is continuing.
Forward work program
The company is planning an aggressive approach to exploration at Mavis Lake with a view to delineating a JORC-compliant mineral resource estimate.
The planned activities are:
➢ Interpretation of airborne survey data: The interpretation of the airborne survey will continue to facilitate identification of new targets and help define the strategy for subsequent drill programs.
➢ Surface mapping and sampling: Further surface exploration of the lease outside of the known Pegmatite 6 and Pegmatite 18 prospects is expected to yield further target areas.
➢ Core logging: Core from previous drilling campaigns is stored locally close to the Mavis Lake site. It is planned that during the winter months core logging may prove appropriate to assist in gaining an understanding of orientation of the lithium bearing pegmatites as well as reviewing continuity of mineralisation to assist in development of a JORC compliant MRE model in the future.
➢ Metallurgical testing: Metallurgical test-work will be conducted on suitable core samples to identify and confirm mineral processing properties and allow flow sheet development to produce a low-impurity, high-grade (6%) spodumene concentrate, suitable for downstream conversion to battery-grade lithium chemicals.
➢ Exploration strategies: A number of strategies will be employed across the project area including density sampling, gravity survey, ground magnetic surveys, surface mapping, structural data interpretation, lithological mapping and geochemical sampling. Drill program design-based on the activities outlined, a preliminary drill program of 5,000 metres or greater has been designed. A secondary drill program will be designed based on drilling results and data interpretation from the various exploration strategies employed.
➢ Permitting: Permitting is underway.
➢ Exploration drilling and resource delineation: Critical Resources plans to complete diamond drilling across the Mavis Lake tenements, initially focused on the Pegmatite 6 and Pegmatite 18 prospects. As more targets are identified both across the tenements and at depth, further drilling will be deployed.