Growth-focused battery metals explorer St George Mining Limited (ASX: SGQ) has confirmed the significant exploration potential for lithium pegmatite mineralisation extending south from its high-grade Mt Alexander nickel-copper-PGE project, in the north-eastern Goldfields of Western Australia.
Initial field mapping and rock chip sampling at Mt Alexander has confirmed numerous outcropping pegmatite dykes occurring in swarms that extend over 15km within St
George’s tenements. The pegmatite dykes strike approximately east-west within a regional corridor interpreted to host the major lithium discovery announced by Red Dirt Metals (ASX: RDT) at its Mt Ida Project to the south-east.
Assays from initial pegmatite rock chip sampling (45 samples) at Mt Alexander have returned anomalous values for lithium, caesium, tantalum and rubidium supporting the potential for lithium mineralisation to occur at depth. Values for rubidium – a key indicator element for potential lithium mineralisation in weathered environments – are as high as 0.6% rubidium (Rb) with anomalous Rb seen in initial sampling across the 15km project area.
Systematic rock chip sampling and field mapping of pegmatites is underway at Mt Alexander to finalise targets for drilling in Q4 2022.
“The results from our initial field work to scope the lithium potential at Mt Alexander are very encouraging and support a compelling case to accelerate exploration for lithium pegmatite mineralisation,” executive chairman John Prineas said.
“We will advance the lithium exploration in tandem with drill testing several very promising, recently identified nickel targets announced on 1 September 2022. We are particularly excited by the strong rubidium values in sample assays received to date – this is an excellent indicator of pegmatites favourable for lithium mineralisation.
“The initial results highlight the lithium potential from the extensive pegmatite outcrop at our project. Mt Alexander has never been explored for lithium, providing St George with an outstanding opportunity to make a greenfields discovery in what has become a lithium exploration hotspot.
“The pegmatites at Mt Alexander may be part of the same system that hosts the major lithium discovery announced by Red Dirt Metals at its Mt Ida project to the south-east of our ground, which further underpins the lithium prospectivity at our project.
“The lithium opportunity at Mt Alexander is a perfect complement to our nickel sulphide discoveries at the project, and expands our focus on EV and clean energy metals.”
