Askari Metals (ASX: AS2) has reported high-grade polymetallic assay results from Phase 1 trenching at the OP Pegmatite Target within its 100%-owned Uis Project in Namibia, confirming continuous mineralisation across a large-scale system.
The results demonstrate strong tin, lithium, tantalum, and rubidium mineralisation along a 2.2-kilometre pegmatite trend.
Trenching was completed on approximately 40-metre spacing to support drill targeting and resource definition.
The program has validated historical exploration that returned high-grade intercepts, strengthening Askari’s confidence ahead of its planned reverse circulation (RC) drilling in the second half of 2026, positioning the project for potential maiden resource definition.
Continuous Mineralised System
Phase 1 trenching at the OP target confirmed continuous polymetallic mineralisation across the pegmatite system, with widths typically ranging from 15m to 30m along more than 1.2km of strike before splitting into multiple dykes.
Peak results included grades of up to 8,340 parts per million tin, 0.57% lithium oxide, 299 parts per million tantalum, 2,380 parts per million rubidium, and 354 parts per million caesium.
Lithium assays returned multiple results above 0.3% lithium oxide, exceeding commonly adopted cut-off grades for spodumene pegmatites and indicating broad mineralisation across the target.
Average grades derived from near-surface samples across large portions of the pegmatite reached as high as 0.57% lithium oxide.
The company noted that deeper drilling into fresh rock could return higher lithium grades due to reduced weathering effects, supporting the rationale for follow-up drilling.
Strategic Development Potential
The Uis Project is located adjacent to the operating Uis tin mine, within a well-established mining district with access to infrastructure, including the Walvis Bay deepwater port located less than 230km away by road.
This strategic positioning supports potential future development pathways as the company advances exploration across multiple pegmatite targets within the project area.
Executive director Gino D’Anna said that, despite its proximity to the Uis mine, the project’s potential to host significant tin and tantalum mineralisation was never previously a focus.
“The contribution of these metals significantly enhances the economic attractiveness of the Uis project, and will be an area of close focus for the company going forward,” Mr D’Anna said.
“The project is shaping up to be a valuable polymetallic project offering significant economic upside, and is fast emerging as a major strategic asset for the company.”
Pathway to Resource Definition
The trenching program has generated a robust dataset that will guide Askari’s upcoming RC drilling across the OP, DP, PS, and K9 pegmatite targets.
Additional assay results from the PS and K9 targets are expected in April 2026, which may further refine targeting across the broader project area.
The company is progressing exploration with the aim of defining a maiden resource at the Uis Project later this year, supported by ongoing mapping, sampling, and drilling programs.
“In an environment where the tin price is hovering around US$46,000 per ton and has been as high as US$57,000 per ton, the company looks forward to updating shareholders as exploration continues," Mr D’Anna added.
