Askari Metals has commenced a project wide mapping and sampling program across part of its Uis lithium project in Namibia after its first phase of drilling hit visible lithium in addition to tantalum and tin.
The company says most of the project remains unexplored, something the current program will be looking to rectify before launching a second phase of drilling.
Its detailed mapping program will scour the entire project for the various types of pegmatites and visible mineralogy.
The company says satellite imagery previously highlighted a high number of pegmatites, however it is hoped the renewed campaign will quantify the total number of pegmatite outcrops.
An earlier reconnaissance sampling campaign in November whet its appetite with results of 2.11 per cent lithium oxide, 1.3 per cent tin, 658 parts per million tantalum and 4214ppm rubidium. The samples were collected over a large number of exposed pegmatites including several old mine workings where historical mining for tin and semi-precious stones occurred.
Askari Metals Exploration and Geology Vice President, Johan Lambrechts said: “The detailed mapping and sampling program on EPL 7345 is an integral part of Askari’s exploration plan for the Project as we look to commence Phase II drilling in the short term…The company is committed to continuing its aggressive exploration activities aimed at unlocking the potential of our projects both in Namibia and Australia.”
The Uis lithium project is located less than 5km from the township of Uis and less than 2.5km from the operating Uis tin-tantalum-lithium mine owned by AfriTin Mining that hosts a mineral resource of 71.54 million tonnes at 0.63 per cent lithium oxide, 0.134 per cent tin and 85ppm tantalum.
In December, the explorer signed a binding heads of agreement with Earth Dimensions Consulting to acquire an 80 per cent interest in a lithium prospective tenement adjacent to Uis. That purchase expanded the strategic footprint of Askari’s project to more than 308 square kilometres in the distinguished mineral postcode.
Last month US-based lithium giant Albermarle provided updated estimates for the future of lithium in its 2023 strategic update. The numbers included a head-turning 15 per cent increase to the company’s lithium demand forecast for 2030 ratcheting its new figure up to 3.7 million tonnes, primarily due to an annual electric vehicle production hitting 46.9 million cars.
Askari Metals has had its hands full previously acquiring, exploring and developing high-grade lithium, copper, gold and copper-gold projects in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and New South Wales. However, should its Namibian lithium project take off it will have a whole new frontier to tackle on a whole new continent with a commodity that is currently making the market feverish.
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By Matt Birney
