Tambourah Metals has identified further potential lithium, caesium and tantalum, or “LCT”-type pegmatites after analysing hyperspectral data from the company’s Russian Jack lithium project in WA’s Pilbara region. The analysis has lit up a number of features in similar orientations to known pegmatites at the project. In addition, Tambourah’s newly identified features lie within the Bonney Downs Monzogranite that is part of the Split Rocks Supersuite which is known for hosting pegmatites.
Interestingly, the hyperspectral remote sensing systems measure the spectral radiance of the earth’s surface to identify and map minerals. The hyperspectral instruments do not directly detect pegmatites, however can measure the response of certain minerals typically contained within pegmatites.
Tambourah Metals Managing Director, Paul Araujo said: “The hyperspectral imagery has been very successful in delineating a significant number of pegmatites at Russian Jack. This information will be evaluated together with other maps and the exploration data to determine new sampling targets.”
The company plans to continue rock chip sampling its newly identified area in addition to sampling and mapping selected high-priority targets. The company says heritage surveys, permitting and discussions regarding drill rig contracts are also on the horizon as it looks to kick off an inaugural drill program.
Tambourah has also submitted a new tenement application prospective for lithium to the east of Russian Jack. The latest land grab will extend the project area by 105 square kilometres. Historical helicopter reconnaissance across the area in 2015 identified pegmatite swarms and whilst historical surface sampling across the new ground is limited, previous rock chip sampling has recorded elevated levels of lithium’s pathfinder elements. The ground has not experienced any further sampling since 2015.
According to US Geological Survey data, Australia is the lead producer of lithium followed by South America’s Lithium Triangle and China. Interestingly, Geoscience Australia says about 95 per cent of Australia’s lithium resources are found within just five deposits and all are in WA. The renowned Greenbushes mine 200km south of Perth is the king of the five when it comes to contained amounts of lithium and grade. The next two largest deposits, Pilgangoora and Wodgina, both belong to the Pilbara which has become a hotbed of exploration and discovery in recent years.
A posse of explorers has spread out across the Pilbara from the two goliath deposits. Notably in 2020, about 100km east of Pilgangoora, ASX-listed Global Lithium Resources tabled a maiden resource for its Archer deposit of 10Mt going 1.0 per cent lithium oxide.
Since then, lithium has been found elsewhere in the Pilbara and more specifically in the latest emerging hotspot, about 70km south-east of Pilgangoora and 80km south-west of Archer.
The emerging Tambourah Lithium District contains a Melbourne Cup field of potential players with a roll call including ASX-listed Eastern Resources, Askari Metals, Trek Metals and Tambourah Metals.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: matt.birney@businessnews.com.au
