Jindalee Resources Ltd (ASX:JRL) continues to keep the drill bit spinning at targets across the McDermitt Lithium project in Oregon, USA.
So far, the battery minerals explorer has completed 10 diamond holes in a 28-hole program, bringing it just over a third of the way through this year's campaign.
Ultimately, Jindalee’s 2022 program is designed to infill and extend McDermitt’s lithium resource, which currently stands at 1.82 billion tonnes at 1,370 parts per million lithium for 13.3 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent.
With 18 holes to go, a reverse circulation rig is expected on site mid-next month to finish off the program, while the first concrete assays are expected in October.
What do the early findings say?
So far, all 10 diamond holes have intersected what the company considers “significant” thicknesses of lithium-hosting sediments at McDermitt.
Two of the holes — drilled on the western edge of the mineral resource — were the deepest drilled on the property to date, hitting a maximum depth of 228 metres.
Now, core from the first holes has been logged, cut and samples submitted for analysis, readying Jindalee for the first results in quarter four.
Big picture
In October last year, Jindalee got the greenlight to drill 39 reverse circulation and diamond drill holes.
Twelve of those holes were dedicated to increasing confidence in the mineral resource and converting the ore from the inferred to the indicated category.
In December, Jindalee drilled the dozen holes and completed 11, while one was abandoned before it reached target depth.
Jindalee bolstered McDermitt’s contained lithium by 28% thanks to this work, bringing it up to the 13.3 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent we’re familiar with today.
What’s more, the project’s contained indicated lithium jumped 170% from 1.8 million tonnes to 4.8 million tonnes.
Fast forward to today, and the balance of holes is planned to further grow that lithium resource.
The explorer will keep the market updated on its progress and any notable findings as it advances the campaign.
